RACISM IS OFFENSIVE TO GOD

The civil rights movement happened 50 years ago, yet in the past year—when trending conversations included #BlackLivesMatter, police brutality, and changing public perception of race relations—tensions remain high. We’re talking about racism, but it doesn’t seem to be helping—only revealing more frustration and more pain. Racism is a problem we can’t ignore or run away from. It’s an issue today, and it was an issue throughout history, including when the Bible was written.

Acts 17:26 From one man, he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth, and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.

Lord, let Your will be our choice; help us to keep our focus on You, as You transform us into holy people. Guard our minds against anxious thoughts, and may You be the center of our desires. Father, our country is in turmoil; our unjust laws destroy what was built on Your Word and by Your people. Lord, we are praying for unity and peace; because we are all of one blood and one race, regardless of the color of our skin. Father, we all pay the same taxes; we are all human beings, and our blood runs red. So, Lord, help us dismantle racism; Father, we are aware that we struggle not merely against flesh and blood but against those institutions and systems that keep racism alive. Lord, we are all the same in Your sight; none is inferior or superior to the other. Father, let not religion that is man-made separate us or those who harbor hate in their hearts. Lord, give us Your wisdom and knowledge to rid ourselves of racial stereotypes that oppress some people unjustly; while providing entitlement to others. Father, help us become one nation under God; embrace the hopes and fears of all people in this world You created. Lord, heal us of envy, jealousy, and hate; so we can become one with You, in Jesus mighty name. Lord, touch the hearts of those that come in contact with our children with gentleness and kindness, so they will treat our children with respect, and our children will, in return, give consideration. Lord, please heal us, and help us find the path of righteousness, in Jesus name, Amen

LET OUR WORSHIP AND PRAISE FLOW LIKE WATER

John 4:23-24, "But the hour is coming, and now is, when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is a spirit and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth."

It doesn't say we can worship God any way we want, but we "must worship Him in Spirit and in Truth".  There is no other way we can worship God and be acceptable to Him. We must express an obligation, a requirement, a necessity, a certainty, and something that must be done, "worshiping God".  God seeks true worshippers, and He identifies them as those who "worship Him in Spirit and in Truth". Worshipping God in spirit and in truth is a serious matter which must not be taken lightly.   We are born of the flesh so we are flesh, but once we receive Christ as the Savior we are reborn of the Spirit.  For those who are new creatures in Christ, true worship comes only from spirits made alive and sensitive by the quickening of the Spirit, God's Spirit ignites and energizes our Spirit

Father, as fear mounts, rhetoric grows fevered and pride threatens to destroy any remaining remnant of our Spirits. As our anxiety grows and we worry about what might happen next, so speak again Your word that gives us peace. Lord, help us to hear and heed the Word, let it remind us relentlessly that You bless those who worship in Spirit and in truth. God of power and might, as we wonder when wars will cease and justice will no longer be denied, infuse us with the Holy Spirit so that we will speak the Words You give us, and help us become the ambassadors of reconciliation You require of us, and passionately love the world in which You have placed us.  Lord, we worship and praise You for Your grace and mercy; pour out Your power on us, so that we will have the courage to disrupt narrative, violence, and hate by proclaiming in Christ.  The life-giving story of sacrificial love made known to us through the Word and our faith, we praise You in Jesus name Amen

DO NOT FEAR CHANGE

We cannot keep going down the same road expecting to arrive at a new destination.  It’s just like walking with Christ; we cannot keep walking in the flesh if we are following Him.  Our biggest problem with change, is lack of patience, yes we believe God will keep His promise, but we want Him to keep His promise on our time.  We pray for God to send us someone, then we go out looking; what part of being still and know he’s God we’re not understanding.  Change takes time, nothing happens overnight; it took us years to create all this mess, and we expect God to clean it all up for us in a day.  We need to pray for patience, self-control, and endurance; these will help us endure the unpleasant and difficult process of change without backsliding.  God understands change is something we tend to fear; this is why we must study the Word daily, to help combat our fears.

2 Peter 3:9  The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with us, not wanting anyone to perish.  Roman 12:2: do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind

Father, so we do not lose heart though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day; through Your Word and our faith; which is preparing us to good work.  Lord, help us look not to the things that are seen, but look to the things that are unseen; for the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.  Father, help us understand that everything changes, except Christ; “He is the same yesterday, today, and forever” so do not fear change because He is with us, and our faith in Him will carry us through.  Baptize us in the Holy Spirit and let Your word be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.  Lord, help us through the change process, guide us to the straight and narrow and help us continually become more like Christ, in Jesus name, Amen

Change starts here

ABSTINENCE

Self-control is the key to abstinence, we need the strength of the Lord to deliberately deny ourselves certain pleasures.  We can deny ourselves if we surrender to Christ, receiving Christ as our Savior gives us the power to take control over our lives and our bodies.  We can abstain from food, drink, gambling, addiction, and sex when we are connected to Christ.  Since I have gotten closer to Christ the less I need of the world, including sex. 

Some people say "It's just sex" the subject of nearly every movie and primetime show, even magazine ads, and school books. What's so special about it? In a sex-saturated culture, waiting till marriage seems outdated and prudish. Pleasure is the name of the game. But that's not the whole story.  In addition to the risk of contracting STDs and AIDS or getting pregnant, premarital sex leads to emotional distress, distrust, regret, and emptiness. That's because sex connects two people in body and spirit; it's impossible to separate the two.

2 Timothy 2:22 - Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.  1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body, but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

Lord, thank You for being by our side and thank You, for providing us with so much. Father, You have lifted us up without asking, but now, Lord, we are struggling with something that we know will consume us if we don't figure out how to stop it. Right now, Lord, we are struggling with abstinence. Lord, we need abstinence from addictions, lust, food, alcohol, gambling, lying, backbiting, and fornication.  So, Lord, we are asking for Your help. Father, help us purge these lustful and worldly desires and replace them with the feelings You so often refer to as love. Father, we are asking that You give us the restraint we need, so we do not act on the thing that will harm us physically or Spiritually. You are our strength and our refuge, so we come to You in our time of need.  Baptize us with the things of the Spirit, and help us be submissive to Your Word, in Jesus name, Amen

What does the Bible say about sex before marriage? | GotQuestions.org

It's just sex the subject of nearly every movie and primetime show, even magazine ads. What's so special about it? In a sex-saturated culture, waiting till marriage seems outdated and prudish. Pleasure is the name of the game. But that's not the whole story.  In addition to the risk of contracting STDs and AIDS or getting pregnant, premarital sex leads to emotional distress, distrust, regret, and emptiness. That's because sex connects two people in body and spirit; it's impossible to separate the two.

CHARACTERISTIC OF GOD'S LOVE

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

When we think of love the first thing comes to mind is good feelings. But real love does not dependent on feelings. It is about so much more than how we feel about someone. Whether it is romantic love, a member of our family, a friend, or a co-worker, so often love is given and received based on what we ourselves get out of it. But what do we do when it cost us something to love someone?    When the person we are trying to love does not love us; won't listen or obey, will not take accountability for their actions.  How do we love a person like us, the same way Christ loves us, with understanding love kindness gentleness and forgiveness.  Love is like a communicable disease, transmissible from person to person like when Christ first loved us; which in return made us love Him.  Although we had not come in direct contact with the Lord, His love is so strong that just by reading or hearing the Word spread that same love to us.

Father, You are a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in Your love, wisdom. power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.  Lord, Your love is long-suffering and kind. Your love, unlike ours, does not envy, take pride in self, does not boast, and think no evil, wickedness, or unrighteousness.  Lord, thank You, for allowing us to share the characteristic of love.  Father, whoever does not love does not know You, because You are Love.  Lord, Your love is best seen in Your grace, forgiveness, and Christ.  Father, You have demonstrated Your love for us, while we were still sinners and we are so grateful, in Jesus name Amen

Donald Lawrence - There is a King In You-

Deuteronomy 28:13 The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.

We are Kings and Queens and do not let anyone tell you differently

PRAISE AND THANK HIM EVEN WHEN THE ANSWER IS NO

Have you ever prayed for something and it felt as though your prayers were not being heard?  You wait patiently for the answer and there seems to be no result of your prayer?  Your faith may waver as you wonder if He really hears you or perhaps you think He is mad at you and that is why you aren’t seeing your prayer answered.  When God refused to answer our prayers, it does not mean He is saying no to our request; it means He has something better in mind.  Even Jesus prayer went unanswered, because God had a better plan, to save us.  Jesus asked the Father, "let this cup of suffering pass from me" the only request Jesus made that was denied.  This teaches us that we can ask for whatever we want, but if it takes us out of God's will; He will not answer our prayers because He has a better plan and His plans will be in our favor.   God knew His Son had to die to make His plan manifest to save the world, He knew the ultimate outcome would be life from Jesus death and resurrection.

Isaiah 55:8 My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts

Father God, I thank You that You are a God who is in control.  We don’t always understand why You say no to our fervent and diligent prayers, but what we do know is that You are trustworthy and Your ways are higher than ours.  Though we long to have our prayers answered in the ways that we think are best, You are the only One who can see the bigger picture.  May Your peace rest upon those who are struggling with accepting a “no” answer from You this day.  So our response to that no answer "IS THANK YOU LORD" and we can continue to pray, trusting and knowing that You know best for us and will answer our prayers in Your will, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

LORD THANK YOU FOR KEEPING US

Why do we think we are still here, why were we not shoot, murdered, addicted to drugs or alcohol, raped, jailed, falsely accused, able to find work, a roof over our heads.  What force do we have going for us that a multitude does not; God’s blessings, protection, guidance, order, and His peace?  Why were we chosen, because we received   Jesus as our Savior, we feared Him and believed in His promise; even though we are not worthy, He kept us.  Through the: hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, mudslides. Fires, floods, wars, terror attracts, racism, and day to day struggles.  We are still here and we are so grateful when we think of the many that have fallen victim to the evilness, wickedness, Mother Nature’s fury, and material things of this life.  We understand how blessed we are and how Your grace kept us.

Psalm 91:1-16 He who dwells in the shelter of the Highest will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings, you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,

Father, thank You for changing our lives, thank You for keeping us in Your hedge of protection.  Lord, there are so many people that have been called home, so we thank You, for keeping us; please baptize us in the Holy Spirit so we will surrender completely to You.  Father, we know we are about to prosper, please keep us humble and in Your will; help us stay focused on You, so we do not stumble and fall.  But, if we fall the love we have for You Lord and Your grace will help us stand.  Thank You, for our shield of faith, that brings sunshine on our rainy days and peace during adversity.  Thank You, for helping us get through the devil’s evil schemes and the spiritual battles that were taking place around us.  Father, let Your divine nature fill our heart, as I put on each piece of armor with prayer drawing upon its divine resources and power.  Father, our prayer is spiritually energized and directed by our faith in Christ, in Jesus name Amen

Old School Church Songs Mix Volume III Churchin On Sunday Morning!

God always enables us to do whatever He requires, yet there may be times when we’re afraid to obey Him because we don’t know what will happen as a result. Sometimes obedience is costly, but it will all work out in our favor; if we believe and be patient, and He will deliver us.  If we’re going to say yes to God, we must believe what He says. Hebrews 11:6 says, “He who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” The Lord loves us and has chosen the best path for our lives if we will follow Him. But unbelief is the enemy of obedience, and the consequences of rebelling against Him are terrible.  If we believe in His promise He will carry us a mighty long way,  Amen

FITTED WITH READINESS

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

Father, Your Word gives us correction, guidance, and every lasting life and we are so grateful.  Lord, thank You for dressing us in full body armor so we can stand firmly on Your Word.  Lord, thank You for the buckle of truth, so we have wisdom and knowledge  can witness the Truth to others.  Father, thank You, for our breastplate the leads us to the path of righteousness and allowing our feet to be fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  Thank You, Lord, for our shield of faith that baptist us in the Holy Spirit and extinguish all the firey arrows of our enemies and the evil one.  Thank You, Lord, for the helmet of salvation that delivered us from the power of sin and the sword of the Spirit, which give us Christ-like character, in Jesus name, Amen

HOW MANY TIMES HAS GOD BEEN UNFAITHFUL TO YOU

People have taken advantage of us, crossed us, and lied on us, but we still trust man more than we trust God.  So, why are we afraid to become vulnerable to God, who has been faithful in our relationship.  Could it be we really do not believe what we cannot see, or what we say?  God is faithful to His Word, He will do just what He said; He will never take advantage of us.  Not one promise He made that He has not kept to us when we are in trouble; we can completely rely on God's promise because He is faithful.

1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Father, baptize us with the Holy Spirit and remove all doubt and fear; because You have been faithful, even though we have been faithless.  Lord,  You are a faithful God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love You and who is submissive to Your Word.  Father, You said, "If we confess our sins, You will be faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  So, we come to You and confess we are sinners, and receive Christ as our Savior.  Lord, we believe You died on the cross to save us from sin and reconcile us to the Father.  Thank You, Lord, for forgiveness and grace, praise be to You; who has given us peace in a world filled with wickedness and evil, in Jesus name, Amen

HE CREATED IT AND HE CONTROLS IT

Colossians 1:16"For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him

God is sovereign, which means He's ruler of the universe and all that exists; it also means that nothing is beyond His control, evil, death, blessings, relationships, and punishment all happens within God authority.  There is no one like Him; no other God but Him and we must love Him wholeheartedly, just as we should love our neighbors.

Father, Your Son,  is the radiance of Your glory and the exact representation of Your being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for our sins, He sat down at Your right hand of the Majesty in heaven.  Lord, You have absolute authority, while we have a limited authority in different areas of life.  Father, You have provided faithfully for Your creature in general and for Your people in particular.  Lord, You have the power to do whatever You please, but we know You will never contradict Your nature or not keep Your promise.  Father, we know You will meet all our needs and will give us perseverance through our trails; no matter how overwhelming or impossible it may seem.  Lord, Your mercy paved the way for our redemption, and we are so grateful,  in Jesus name, Amen

LET US BECOME DISCIPLES

The principle of Discipleship is our unreserved commitment to Christ.  This involves holding loosely to the material things of this lost world and self-centeredness.

Luke 14:33 In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything cannot be my Disciple

Father, help us become Disciple of Christ, who will go out and spread the Good News to all that needs to hear.  Lord, You invited us to proclaim Your gospel of hope and salvation at home and to all peoples. Teach us to be faithful Disciples in word and in action.  Lord, help us respond wholeheartedly to Your will without weaving.  Lord, You have given us every spiritual and material blessing. Show us how to share our gifts with others, and inspire us always to follow Your example of generous self-giving.  Father, remove the scales from our eyes and lift the indifference from our hearts, so that we may see Your vision a new reign of justice and compassion that will renew our hearts and minds that will transform our lives, so that we may accomplish Your purpose.  In Jesus name Amen

LORD WE DO NOT DOUBT YOUR LOVE OR WHO YOU ARE

John 10: 24 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”  25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. 26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.”

Never doubt the love of Christ or who He says He is, He died because He would never abandon His flock or His mission.  Jesus is the Messiah, that why the Pharisees were repeatedly trying to kill Him because they knew Him not.

Father, we can become one with You as well, through our love for Christ.  Lord, help us to love others, the way You love us, and continue to give us guidance and protection.  Father, Loving others is our gift to You and all the deserving souls we cross.  Lord, as we start our day, fill our hearts with joy; give us correction and direction, through this valley of death.  Lord, we know loving You with all our hearts, minds, and Souls; would result in a better way of life filled with love.  Father, Baptize us in Your Spirit so we will obey Your first two commandments; the two commandments that are imperative to living for Christ.  Lord, everything we do, say, and think about would be filtered through the love we have for our Father and to do His good will. While this first command makes perfect sense to our calling, the second command may be a little harder for some of us to understand or put into practice. So give us the strength and courage we need to be submissive, in Jesus name Amen

THE FOUNDATION TO LIVING A RIGHTEOUS LIFE IS SELF-CONTROL

Self-control comes with wisdom, discipline, and understanding.  Spiritual wisdom is not human intelligence, spiritual wisdom is that God-given ability to use our intelligence to practice what we have learned from the Word.  Discipline is the ability to do what the Word says, rather than what our flesh desires.  It is so easy to opt out for what everybody else is doing, even though we know it's wrong.   Understanding comes from knowing the Word, we have no problem doing what's right once we have determined what right is and the Word of God tells us what's right.  Once we have self-control taming our tongue is durable, being faithful in our marriage become easier, fornication becomes less of a desire, and we will be able to forgive those who wronged us.

2 Timothy 1:7 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.

Father, give us self-control so we will not be slaves to what controls flesh. Food, lust, money, our words, fornication, adultery, or anything of the flesh.  Lord, let us not find ourselves overwhelmed with the consequences of not having self-control in all areas of our lives.  Father, help us understand, self-control is the very foundation for living a life of righteousness and selflessness that reflects Jesus and brings glory to God.  Lord, we have the power to bring sins under control, by receiving Christ as our Savior and being submissive to the Word.  Lord, when we are struggling with self-control let us get in the Word and allow Scripture to change our hearts and minds.  Lord, Your Word has the power to give us control over our choices and when we choose to meditate and memorize the Word, we will be reminded of the truth in our moment of losing self-control and we will be able to make the right decision! So Lord, help us take small steps each day to bring our thoughts and actions into line with Your plans for our lives, in Jesus name, Amen

COME AS YOU ARE DOES NOT MEAN STAY AS YOU WERE

1 Corinthians 6:9 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

When we walk in the will of Christ, He cleanses our hearts and minds; so we may receive His wisdom and knowledge, to implement it in our lives.  Once we receive Christ change is inevitable; we cannot receive our Savior and remain as we were, it is impossible.  Believers should not be deceived into thinking that they have the liberty to live as immoral as they please

Father, do not let us be mastered by any appetite of this world but be lead by the spirit; so Christ will be Lord of our lives.  Father, we have accepted Christ as our Savior, please baptize us in the Holy Spirit; so we can receive the Word and it's transforming power.  Lord, fill us with the fruit self-control so we can flee from sexual immorality and all other sins we commit outside our body.   Lord, let us not be religious fanatics, but inward changed men and women; who develop Christ-like character, so You may work in and through us.  Father, let us not be deceived that we can willfully continue to live a life filled with sin and receive Your  promise, in Jesus name Amen

JEHOVAH-RAPHA GOD OF HEALING

James 5:13-16 13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working

God wants us to pray just as Jesus prayed as a man; Jesus prayed without ceasing, day and night.  Jesus tells us that we are suffering and we should pray for healing, but this is not referring to a physical sickness; He’s talking about a Spiritual sickness caused by; misfortune, unforgiveness, poor choices, or generation’s courses.  But, remember prayer is not a magical guarantee of spiritual healing, but the Word says “prayer offered fervently by a righteous person, God will respond in a way that serves His purpose.

Jehovah-Rapha, we are spiritual sick and suffering, but You are the God who heals and has intimate knowledge of our pain and suffering.  So we ask You for hope, comfort, healing, and Spiritual growth; give us a strong desire for the things of the Spirit.  Father, You said “if we listen carefully to the voice of the Lord our God and do what is right in His eyes if we pay attention to Your commands and keep Your decrees.  You will not bring on us any of the diseases You brought on the Egyptians, for You are the Lord who heals.  So we lay all spiritual and physical sickness at the altar with faith that You will keep Your promise and heal us.  Father, we ask that You remove every generational course and all demonic spirits from around us, our children, and our children’s children; and all the obstacles that hinder our blessings.  So search our hearts and minds and remove all that would keep us from sitting at Your feet.  Baptize us with the Holy Spirit that will compel us to do good, be forgiving and honor You, in Jesus name, Amen

James Fortune & FIYA - I Trust You

Our Only Savior
Isaiah 43:1 But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine

Come to me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. … For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). I believe that the Word of God is faithful. So I will act in accordance with His Word, put aside these worries and troubles, and live a free and liberated life.

TRAILS ENCOURAGES US TO SEEK GOD

Have you communicated with God yet, if not here are somethings you might want to talk about. When we need help with:  developing patience in suffering (James 5:7-20); discerning heavenly wisdom and warning against worldliness’ (James 3:13-4:17); taming our tongues (3:1-12); avoid cliques and playing favorites, especially in Church (James2:1-13); stop listening and talking and start acting (James 1:19-27); and relating faith and work (James2: 14-26).  It just so happen that anything we are dealing with in the flesh, there's a cure for it in the Spirit.  Speak to Christ daily and You will find what I am saying is true.

Lord, give us a strong ethical emphasis that is consistent with the moral teachings of Christ.  Father, give us a strong desire to study Your Word and allow it to be a source of exhortation, comfort, reproof, and encouragement; so open our hearts and minds, that we will receive You.   Father, help us in our areas of need: developing patience in suffering; how we should treat the least of us; discerning heavenly wisdom and wickedness’; taming our tongues; stop talking and start acting; relating our faith to work; avoiding cliques and playing favorites, especially in Church.  Lord, teach us not to let religion or the lack of self-control oppress us; and let us not speak uncontrollably or preach false teachings that led to a misunderstanding of the Truth.  Father, let us not show favoritism to the wealthy or have a selfish ambition that leads to murder, hate, envy, and strife.  Father, Your Word tells us that “ You give wisdom generously to those who ask for it,  Lord, give us Your wisdom to avoid internal and external conflicts that creates division, hate, and dissension.  Father, help us put our faith in action, by expressing it through good works and moral ethics.  In Jesus name, we pray Amen

FORGIVE SO WE CAN LIVE

Genesis 50:15When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.” 16So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying, 17‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.” ’ Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.”  19Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 20But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. 21Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

Sometimes the evil that our so-called friends commit against us, can actually be for our benefit.  So often God's goodness comes disguised as pain, a crisis, a loss, a break-up, or betrayal. 

Father, help us understand the importance of forgiveness especially family members.  Lord, let us understand when children of God insist on quarreling with each other, we do not reflect the Christ-like character in us.  Father, there is nothing that You will not forgive us for, so we too must forgive others no matter what wrong they caused us.  Lord, help us show Your love and forgiveness in our action to those that wronged us.  Father, let us forgive readily, so our service to all will be possible even our enemies.   Jesus, thank You, for forgiving us and dying in our place so we could have a relationship with our Father.  It is Your name that we pray, Amen

LOVE LOVE LOVE GOD IS LOVE

Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations

Love gone one step further is grace, God's grace is unconditional love that only God can give us.  God does not give us His unconditional love, because we deserve it, but because He loves us and want to have a relationship with us, even though we're still sinners.  God is Greater than any religion, any man. God watches over the world because the world is a troubled place.  God who spoke to Jesus, Buddha, and Mohammad in ancient times is speaking again:  God has spoken again because religion has failed to find its unity, except amongst a very few individuals and organizations.  God is speaking to humanity anew, proclaiming a warning, a blessing and a preparation for a new world reality, clarifying the reality of God’s Presence and providing a Divine answer to the growing crises of war, environmental destruction, religious conflict, human suffering and poverty now escalating across the world.God loves us. We know that in our minds, but often we don’t live that way.  But the reality of God’s love surrounds us day by day

Father, You have searched our hearts, and You know us. You hear our thoughts, You know our needs and breathe Your life into our dreams.   Father, we know You want to give us the desires of our hearts.  Lord, You are a loving Father, we can share our every hope, every feeling and every dream with You.  Father, Your heart is full of wisdom, truth, and love; You lead us to enjoy the beauty in creation, to engage each day with love in our hearts. Lord, teach us to live lives brimming with Your love and goodness.  Father, we are so blessed to live in Your care. Thank You that You guides us into true love and happiness by Your gentle hands. Lord, we choose to give our lives to You each day, in Jesus name Amen

DO NOT FRET BECAUSE GOD IS IN CONTROL

Exodus 14:13-14  And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today.

God led the Israelites out of slavery, He brought them to the Red Sea. As the army of Egypt approached from the rear, the Israelites saw the Red Sea in front of them and mountains to the sides. They saw no way out! But God is not limited by impossible situations. God knew what Pharaoh would do and He knew what He was going to do before the Israelites reached the Red Sea. When God is on our side, we do not need to fear or fret, because God is always in control.

I pray Jesus, will defend you against all conspiracy and protect you from the fiery arrows of the enemy, you will walk through the remaining days of this year in prosperity, love, and peace.  May your life be secured by the blood of Jesus, you will see the downfall of anyone who wishes you evil, your life will shine like the sun by day and become bright like the moon at night, no evil hand will cover your glory because you are a child of God.  in Jesus name, Amen