MANIPULATORS ARE PEOPLE WE SHOULD AVOID

Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered them, "See that no one leads you astray. Never let someone convince you to do something you know is wrong. Even if it's a family member or friend, wrong is wrong, and if we participate in it, we too will be held accountable to God.  2 Timothy 3:1-5 But understand this, that in the last days, there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 

There are some great manipulators in this dark world, but if we allow them to manipulate us into doing wrong, we will suffer the same consequences. Manipulators will use, talk about, and abuse the people they use to hurt someone else; you can never trust a person who will use you to do wrong to others because you will be next.

Father, do not let us fall victim to the controlling words. Instead, help us rely on and stabilize our lives on Your Word alone. Lord, help us choose our friends wisely, guide us away from the web of manipulation and control; instead, give us Your wisdom and the knowledge to implement You in our lives. Lord, give us discernment and eyes that see the enemies afar. Father, direct our path in righteousness, keep us from those trying to steer us in the opposite direction of Your will. Lord, let us see through manipulative tactics that keep us from walking in the complete honor, dignity, and integrity that You have called us to, in Jesus' name Amen.

IN OUR STORM

Even in the middle of the storm, when the wind is howling, lightning flashing, and waves crashing against us, in our hearts and minds, we are at peace because we know our Savior is a lifeguard. The storms of life test our faith, and sometimes the storms are so intense we may feel like we’re not going to make it, but Jesus is in the calming business, and when He brings us through our storms, it leads to a deeper faith.

 Jesus is no stranger to storms “Mark 4:35-41 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along in the boat just as he was. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!”Then the wind died down, and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
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Father, the storms of our lives sometimes seems like we will be washed away; help us trust that You are in complete control; and that we should place our faith in You when life winds blow fiercely.  Lord, help us understand that storms help build perseverance, so give us Your courage when we are weak and afraid; let us feel Your presence that provides us with the strength to stand on Your promise that You will never leave us. Father, You have done so many great things in our lives, and we are so grateful; forgive us for falling short of Your mercy, grace, and favor.  Lord, help us build a more vigorous prayer life, worship, and praise; help us honor You and love others the way You love and care for us.  Father, thank You for being the weatherman and not allowing us to face the storms of life alone.  Thank You for Your calming presence and transforming powers that help prepare us for whatever comes, in Jesus name, Amen

THE STORM IS OVER NOW

CHARACTER SPIRITUAL OR WORLDLY

Our Character is what defines us, “Proverbs 10:9 Whoever walks in integrity walk securely, but he who walks crooked will be finding out.”

People who are sincere and just to God and man, have nothing to fear; even when it seems the enemy is winning, keep trusting quietly in the Lord.  Because no matter how much darkness shine it will never be light; just be still have patience and let God lead us into His light, where all will be revealed. If a person repeatedly steals that part of their character, when repeating the same sin over and over it becomes part of our character. Our character and conduct are everything. They determine if God will bless or curse us, if we will succeed in life or not, or if others will discover are dark side. A successful life lived confidently and securely is far better than being exposed for wickedness, treacherousness, or deceit

Father, let those with a shady character and wicked hearts, be publicly exposed to all the shame and punishment for their sins.  Lord, let us not judge because we too have sinned, so we ask forgiveness for our sins and we confess to You.  Father, let those that walk in Your Word receive Your promise; and help us in our times of fear and doubt, give us Your strength and courage to stand on Your Word.  Lord, we know the wicked and good are sinners, but let the difference in our Souls be known to the entire world.  Father, transform us into people of Christ-like character so there will be less envy, hate, jealousy, adultery, fornication, and wickedness in this world.  Lord, give us a stronger desire for the things of the Spirit so the things of the world will not be pleasing to us.  Father helps us steer clear of people who are on a crooked path, so we too do not get lost in their journey.  Father, help us walk upright with love in our hearts for Christ and man according to the truth of the gospel, that makes Your Word the rules of life in Jesus name, Amen

WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD AND WE HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS AS CHRIST

Romans 1:20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse

We are children of God and we have the same rights to receive the same power Christ received when the Holy Spirit came upon Him.  And just like Christ God will be our strength and our shield, from the fiery arrows of our enemies and this dark world; if we believe and stand on His promise, He will make it work in our favor.

Father, right now we lay our troubles at the altar; and we put on the armor of God, right now in the name of Jesus.  Lord, today we will help someone in need, give something to the poor (clothes, shoes, we all have something), and just be humble.  Lord, we thank You for another day to get it right, with You.  Lord, we ask that You forgive us for losing a generation of Your children; by not teaching them about You, and not raising them by Your instruction.  Lord, we did not train them up in the way they should go: so when they get older, they would not depart from You.  Father, we have drifted so far from You; we cannot feel Your presence, and You do not hear us.  So Father, please, do not let our prayers fall on deaf ears.  Lord, forgive us for falling short in our prayer life, our study, and our praise; please give us a strong desire for the Word.  So we can grow into Your people, Lord, we know all things are possible with You, Father, remove any demonic Spirits that have been spoken over our family, friends, and ourselves; and free us from our enemies. Father, right now we are standing on Your Word; without doubt and fear, as we patiently wait for Your directions.  In Jesus name, Amen

WITHOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT WE WILL BACKSLIDE

Jeremiah 15:6 You have rejected me,” declares the Lord. “You keep on backsliding. So I will reach out and destroy you; I am tired of holding back. 7 I will winnow them with a winnowing fork at the city gates of the land. I will bring bereavement and destruction on my people, for they have not changed their ways.

Backsliding will happen, just like faithfulness will happen; but we must put forth an effort to become faithful, just like we have to put forth the effort to not backslide.   Believers are in a constant battle with our flesh and our spirit and the one we nourish the most will win out.  Our day to day living is consumed by either moving toward God or moving from Him.  This is why we need to communicate with Him daily for His courage, strength, and to keep moving toward Him. 

Father, we understand that there will be ups, downs, and unexpected turns in our walk with Christ, Lord, please hold our hands and let us not go backward Spiritually.  Lord, baptize us in the Holy Spirit so we do not go back to our undesirable ways.  Father, let us not forget to pray, study the Word, or fellowship with other believers' to help us not backslide.  Lord, order our steps in Your will, so we do not deliberately indulge in a life of sinful pleasures, but focus on the things of the spirit, so we will honor and be submissive to You.   Father, help us understand that our backsliding will also sadden and bring grief to our loved ones, as well as turmoil into our lives.  Lord, let our guilt and Your Word give us conviction, correction, and guidance so we can stand on Your Word without wavering, in Jesus name Amen

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Cece Winans-How great is our God/How great thou art

1 Chronicles 29:11"Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.

Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory in the heavens…. When we consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon, and the stars, which You have set in place, what is mankind that You are mindful of them, human beings that You care for us?  in Jesus name Amen

LET'S BE CHRIST WALKING PARTNERS

Ephesians 4:17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

When we accept Christ as our Savior that is the first step to Holy living, but it does not stop there.  Now we must build a relationship with Christ, we have to communicate with Him daily through the Word of God; because the more we study the Word "with understanding", the closer we will draw to Christ and the closer we draw to Him, the more like Him we become.  Now we will never be completely like Christ until we are no longer in the flesh.  But, we can be submissive to the Word of God, like Christ.  When Christ is truly in our hearts we will not indulge in all kind of impurity or be full of greed; we would no longer live as Gentiles but as children of God

Father, help us follow Your instruction for life, help us tap into our children natural curiosity to help them discover the majestic of You.  Lord, let us not only cling to You in time of troubles but help us be Your walking partners so Your arms of grace will transform us.   Father, You created us for the enjoyment of companionship, dialogue, intimacy, joint decision-making, mutual delight, and sharing Your dominion.  So give us perseverance so we will stand on Your word, with Your strength and courage; so we may be worthy of Your love, and able to serve our purpose in Your Kingdom, in Jesus name Amen

CONVICTION COMES FROM GUILT

There are times we may feel someone's conversation is directed at us because of guilt that causes conviction.  Have you ever felt like the Pastor Sunday message was about you, that's because the message is helping us recognize our sins?  The only people that will be offended by the message of adultery are those who are involved with married men/women. The only people that will be offended by the message of evil and wickedness are those who have dark hearts.  The only people who will be offended by the message of betrayal are those who have betrayed someone.  Some people say that guilt is a horrible thing. In reality, guilt is a design God has put into our souls. It is similar to the pain we feel in our bodies when something is wrong, but the problem is with our souls and it is called conviction. The only people that will be offended by a message that does not mention their name are those who are convicted by their guilt.  If we do not relate ourselves to what is being said then it would not affect us, but if we can relate to it then our guilt will give us conviction.

Conviction is a formal declaration that someone is guilty of a criminal or an offense.  John 3:19-21 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

Lord, in the same way, when we experience guilt, our conscience convicts us of our sins, which is the conviction of the Holy Spirit.   Father, we pray that You search our hearts and reveal to us and others who we really are in You and ourselves.  Father, let Your Word convict those who are guilty of dishonoring You and causing Your people pain or injustice.  “Dear Heavenly Father, so many people these days have a spirit of fear and we know that is not of You.  Lord, if someone feels conviction because of what is being said or written, speak to their hearts about the areas that they must surrender to You.  Father show us the places where we must release all footholds that have allowed the enemy to leak into our lives.  In Jesus name we speak clarity over our lives, we speak fruit that is sincere and comes from the heart.  Lord, give us guidance, hold our hand and show us the areas we must commit to Your will.  Father, cover us in the Blood of Christ and engrave His Word in our hearts so there will be conviction that brings on change, in Jesus name Amen

SINFUL MINDS PRODUCE SINFUL THOUGHT

2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ

Sinful thoughts are something all believers struggle with. Sometimes we have no control as to what thoughts enter our minds, however, we are able to take control of these thoughts. God's Word's help us to recognize our thoughts for what they really are, and how to act or not act upon them.  Thanks be to God, we can now control our sinful thoughts through Jesus Christ our Lord! So, we are no longer a slave to our sinful thoughts, but in our sinful nature,we are followers of Christ that helps control our thoughts.

Father, please help us control our sinful thoughts, that come into our minds to disrupt and destroy.  Lord, baptize us in the Holy Spirit to help us focus on the things of the Spirit that gives us pure and clean thoughts.  Father, cleanse our minds of every evil and sinful thought right now in the name of Jesus.  Lord, we cannot accomplish this on our own, so give us Your strength, courage, wisdom, and the knowledge to implement You in our daily lives.  Lord, order our steps in Your will when we are misguided by our thoughts.  Father, help us control our thoughts so we may be found worthy, in Jesus name Amen

HAVE A LITTLE TALK WITH JESUS

We all have times when everything around us seems out of control, and we can’t seem to get it right.  We talk to our family and friends, but it brings no peace, sometimes it makes things worst.  But there is a way to cope with life no matter the situation; we do this through the Word of God.  We have so much going on in our minds about what we want for ourselves, but most of the time God does not play a role in our plans. "Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not evil, to give you a future and hope.'  This is why our plans do not work; we do not include God.   "Matthew 19:26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”   So for all those whose lives are out of control, let's talk to God so He can show us His plans for our lives.

Lord, teach us Your plans for our lives, help us not lean on our understanding but Yours.  Father, we understand that our thoughts are not Your thoughts, neither are our ways Your ways.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are Your plans for us.  Lord, just as You water the earth, making it bring forth fruit, water our hearts and minds with Your Word so we may be fruitful.  Father, allow Your words to accomplish that which is Your purpose, and we shall succeed in all things.  Father, right now there are those who are anxious about tomorrow, help them to understand that their plans for tomorrow may never come.  Lord, help them focus on You and teach them Your purpose so that they may have hope and peace.  We pray together in Jesus name Amen

NEVER IDOLIZE PEOPLE

Why do we idolize man and the material things of this world; why do we think the more stuff we have the more accomplished we are, what is it we’re missing.   Material accomplishments will keep us in doubt, stressed out, and they will soon fade away, but our Spiritual accomplishments are everlasting.    Yet we tend to idolize people over our Spiritual Savior, and sometimes we know; these people we idolize have nothing good in their hearts for us, but we still follow.  Why do we follow people that manipulates us into things we know are wrong, but we still follow.  Now it’s ok to idolize and be used, but wouldn’t you rather be used by someone who has our best interest at heart.  Never worship people; the only one deserving of our worship is our Lord and Savior.   Why is it so easy for us to follow people that can and will lead us down the wrong path, but we can’t or won’t follow Christ, who gives us the correction, protection, direction, and peace?

Exodus 20:3-4  “You shall have no other gods before me.  “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.

Father, help those that idolize people that are not worthy of their attention; give them correction and order their steps in Your will, so they will not be manipulated to do wrong for the cause of others.  Lord, let us not get caught in the dark shadows of idolizing man but be guided by the light of Christ.  Father, we are so lost in what this world has to offer that we cannot focus on the death it brings.  Lord, give us eyes that see and a heart that desire the things of the Spirit.  Father, baptize us in the Holy Spirit so we will be willing to follow You with patience, wisdom, and love; then we can be used to lift others up and help build up Your Kingdom.  Father, continue to keep Your hedge of protection around our children, our children’s children as well as ourselves.  Lord, thank You for shielding us from the lying lips and fiery arrows of our enemies.  Lord, help us be inward changed men and women who worship praise, idolize, and love You, in Jesus name Amen

RUN THE RACE GOD HAS FOR YOU

2 Timothy 4:6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

We all have a mission to complete for our Lord, just like Paul, he served the Lord from the time Jesus appeared to him until he was beheaded.  All Christ followers will suffer and this is the season we stand strong and do not waver in our faith, because He will never forsake us.  Never let the obstacles we face keep us from crossing the finish line for our Savior.

Father, give us the same perseverance of Paul, so we will keep the faith and keep moving forward, no matter what we face in life.  Lord, we understand that we will all suffer for the gospel because You suffered for our sins; so give us the same strength and courage Paul displayed for You in his time of suffering.  Father, Your Word has to be the transformation process in us, help us stay focused on You and not the confusion around us.   Lord, order our steps to the course You have for us and do not let us be distracted by the enemy.  Father, baptize us with the Holy Spirit, so we will be inward changed men and women; with clean hearts and minds, ready to serve and be used by You.  In Jesus name Amen

GOD'S WILL OR OUR DESIRE

Do not confuse God's will with our desires; sometimes we feel that what is happening in our lives is God's will for us. If it is God's will, then we will not be stressed; if it's God's will, He will provide for us; if it's God's will, everything will work out for our good. If it's God's will for us, it will have a purpose, and add meaning to our lives. If it's God's will, it will be evenly yoked, and bring prosperity. If it's God's will, we will have the hope of a brighter future. If it's God's will, we will have peace, and be equipped with everything good. So if we are not experiencing God's presence, peace, and joy; maybe what's going on in our lives, is just our desire Proverbs 16:3 commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Father, let us not confuse our desires for Your will; please direct us to Your plan for our lives, and not our own. Lord, give us a desire for Your Word, where we will find; Your will for our lives, a life of purpose, meaning, and discernment. Father, we understand that Your will is for us to be sanctified; and free from sin, so please equip us with all our needs. Lord, help us deny ourselves and take up our cross, as we follow You. Lord, give us a Christ-like character so that we will trust in You, with all our hearts; and lean not on our own understanding, but in all, we do submit to You, in Jesus name Amen

MERCY AND SELF-SACRIFICING

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”  Christians are to be loving, merciful, and self-sacrificing. As we see the needs of people all around us, our hearts should be full of compassion just as our Heavenly Father has compassion towards all people. "The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made" (Psalm 145:9).

We need to teach our children and some adults the importance of giving to others, whether it's time, money, or a kind word; this is a valuable character trait in a child of God.    You never know how a small act of kindness, can draw someone close to God.

Lord teach those who are strong to be considerate of those who are weak.  Let us not be selfish, but always kind to our brothers and sisters in need, for even Christ a King did not live to please Himself.  Father, urge us to warn people who are idle and disruptive about the pitfalls of their actions; let us encourage the disheartened, help the poor, and be patient with everyone.  Lord, help us not to be excessively concerned with material possessions and money, but more concern with helping each other and building us Your Kingdom.  Father, teach us unity through the love of Christ, who died so we may live.  Lord, examine our path and trace our footsteps so we will not sin against You or Your people.  In Jesus name, we pray Amen.

THERE IS NO SELF IN TEAM

Romans 8:8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.

Self-centeredness is defined as “immoderate concern with one’s own interests and well-being; self-love or egotism.” This is the  Remedy for division not teamwork.  The Bible tells us “people who are self-centered aren’t able to please God or love others.  We must remove self if we plan to move forward together.  This is why self-centeredness is a sin this is why we should think in unity and not self MOLD. You know how much we can get done with self "nothing". Selfishness leads to being devoted to self-gratification and overlooking other people’s needs, ideas, or gifts; that can be used to build up our communities, our people and His Kingdom

Lord,  take our minds off the narrowness of self-interest and give us eyes that see the bigger picture.  Father, help us take ourselves to the extreme opposite of our egos so we can behold every situation from the aspect of You.  Father, search our hearts and minds and remove all that is not of You,  bitterness, jealousy, and selfish ambition; that we may be harboring.  Let us not be arrogant or lie against the truth. Lord, let not greed exploit us or selfishness and empty conceit,  Separate us. But with humility of mind let each of us regard one another as more important than our self; do not merely look out for our own personal interests, but also for the interests of others, in Jesus name Amen

TO WALK WITH CHRIST WE MUST WALK IN SPIRIT

To walk in Spirit, we must communicate with God daily for direction and guidance; and not rely on our understanding or anyone else understanding, it must come from God.  The Word of God gives power to our Spirit, which empowers us to obey the truth.  When we walk in Spirit, it gives us the ability to become abstinence from any strongholds.  The Spirit brake chains of alcohol, drugs, sex, adultery, anger, or any other sins, if we believe.  The Holy Spirit gives us the same protection, provision, and rights of Jesus because through Him we are children of our Father.  When we repent, ask for forgiveness, and turn away from sin, we will be restored by the Blood of Jesus.

“We are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh” (Philippians 3:3). “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

Father, give us the faith of Joseph, who was entirely devoted to You; even in times of injustice, betrayal, and temptation.  And let all who meant evil against us; understand that You will not allow any weapons against us PROSPER.    Give us the patience of Job a man whose life was tested beyond measure, yet he did not curse You.  (“In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.” Job 1:22) Lord, you have saved us so many times it’s hard to see why we still doubt You.  You will never put more on us than we can handle, and You always give us escape out of temptation.  Lord, some of us are just now beginning to understand the Spirit and the flesh connection, continue working in and through us until we get it right.  Father, show us that we cannot keep doing the same things and expect a different outcome.  Lord, advise us throughout our relationships, especially when the flesh shows it’s ugly face.  Lord, help us identify who You will in our lives and not what we think we need.   Father continue to keep us sexually still because sitting at Your feet means more than fornication, adultery, and immoral sex acts.  Lord, eternal life means more to us than material wealth and man’s opinions.  Lord, give us the repenting heart of David (For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.") Examine our hearts and judge us accordingly, in Jesus name Amen

THE BLOOD STILL WORKS

John 6:53-56 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.

Father, we plead the Blood over all these senseless killings, by terrorism, law enforcement, and each other.  Lord, You give believers the authority to trample over the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt us.  Lord, we intervene and claim that power over our young people, right now in the name of Jesus, help us save them.  Father, there is no help from man, so we come to You on bending knees crying for help. “Save our young people,  save our country, save our lives”.  Lord, we say a special prayer for all who have lost their loved one to violence, war, and diseases and sickness.  Father, we ask that You give them rest and peace of mind, knowing that their loved one is sitting at Your feet.  Lord, give our Political and Spiritual Leaders Your wisdom, knowledge, compassion, and love for the people.  Help them to see that we are better together; working as a unit on one accord, to save the future; our children and this world.  Lord, we ask that You continue to work with law enforcement, give them compassion, understanding, and love for all they come in contact with and keep Your hedge of protection around them.  Father, continue working in and through us, to teach, guide and protect our children.  Lord, help us to become communities and neighborhoods that work as a village, and raise our children as we were instructed to do “by Your Word”.  Lord, we plead the Blood of Jesus over our children and our children's children, in Jesus name we pray Amen