PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING

1 John 5:14  This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

Father, thank You for all that You have done for us, thank You for Your hedge of protection around us.  Lord, thank You for guidance, love, happiness, and peace.  Thank You for all the Spiritual Soldiers You put into our lives, and please keep us all focused on You.  Thank You for not allowing generational curses and demonic spirits to overtake us, thank You for forgiveness and for teaching us how to forgive, so the enemy will not control us.  Thank You for removing all that is not of You from our lives and baptizing us in the Holy Spirit that will keep us moving forward and not dwelling on our past.  Thank You for keeping us still and teaching us how to tame our tongues.  Father, give us the right attitude while we wait and remove every obstacle that keeps us from sitting at Your feet.  Father, we pray for healing for the sick, shelter for the homeless, families for the orphans, and food for the hungry.  Lord, give us a Christ-like desire for the things of the Spirit that strengthen us and remove all doubts and fears.  Lord, give us eyes to see and understand Your Word.  Give us ears that hear You when You speak to us and ground out the interference of our flesh.  Father, we seek Your blessings for our families, friends, relationships, and enemies; according to Your will, not ours.  Father, we know You will be just, and we all will be evaluated according to the truth we receive, the opportunities we had, and what we did with both.  Lord, Your Word is clear that we're to be witnesses to as many people as possible, so prepare us to be a vessel that leads them to You.  in Jesus' name Amen.

TEMPTATION, DECEPTION, AND GREED HELP US LORD

2 Timothy 3:14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Lord, day-to-day living is difficult for all believers; we are surrounded by temptation, deception, and greed, and we need Your wisdom and guidance to help us navigate through this valley of death.  Lord, Your Word is the process that reveals the Truth, that will save us from this world and our flesh.  Lord, Your Word is filled with commands, principles, and examples that teach us who You are, what You do and have done for us.  Father, Your Words cuts like a sword for reproofing us as it uncovers our sins through conviction; and it shows us what hinders our walk with Christ.  Lord, Your Word gives us the correction we need when we are lost and helps us get back on the path of obedience.  Father, as we study, pray, and meditate on Your Word, we slowly absorb Your wisdom and the knowledge of Christ; so we can live righteously and become adequately equipped for good work.  Lord, no matter what situation, trials, or challenges arises, Your Word prepares us to face it effectively through our faith in Your promise, in Jesus' name, Amen.

FEAR OF FAILURE BLOCKS OUR BLESSINGS

One of the reasons we fail to achieve our goals is that we set limitations on ourselves.  Think about it, we all have said to ourselves "I can't do that"! Well, guess what we just changed God's plan for us, of course, we should not pursue every thought or ambition that comes to mind.  But, we should pray about every thought and ambition that comes to mind, that way we can ask God is this His plan for us.  This way we will not resist what the Lord wants us to do; so we do not end up missing His will for us, or an opportunity to fulfill His calling.

Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Father, let us not be our own blessing blockers, because we have a fear of failure.  Lord, we ask You to remove every barrier we've put up, whether subconsciously or knowingly.  So, help us identify all the boundary that keeps us from obeying Your will for our lives.   Father, break down every barrier we have created and help us refocus our thinking so we can realign our perspective with Your will, in Jesus name, Amen

HE MUST ABIDE IN US FOR US TO DEVELOP FRUIT

It is not until we die to self and be broken of pride and self-sufficiency that we become fruitful and useful to the Lord.   Our brokenness is one of the means God uses to help us mature.  If we refuse to be reformed or cling to whatever God wants us to release, then God will not use us for His Kingdom.  Our problem with submissiveness is our shortsighted fleshly desires.  It's hard to let things go that we enjoy, even though we know it's not good for us and it stunts our spiritual growth.  We will hang on to what is the least resistance and hope God will bless and forgive us anyway. 

John 15:1-27 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. ...

Father, let us not be unplanted seeds, that will never produce fruit; Lord, just like You we must die to ourselves to bring glory to You.  Lord, if our ambitions are to remain comfortable in the flesh, we will remain unproductive.  Lord, let us not be distracted by short-term happiness, that is not the path to Spiritual growth that You have prepared for us.  Father, help us receive Your Word that transforms us into the men and women You created; help us be fruitful so the grip that sin has over us will be released, in Jesus name, Amen

GOD'S LOVE FOR US

The Divine Power of God's Love:  It like a burning flame that nothing can quench, not even a river could wash the flames away.  This is how God loves us; His love for us will never burn out.  Nothing will ever separate us from His love, not hardship, trouble, persecution, famine, or nakedness.  His love not only saves us, but it reveals His purpose in our lives; it is the fuel and energy of our calling.

Song of Songs 8:6 Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. 7 Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned.

Father, we know in all things we are more than conquerors through You who loves us.  Lord, we know nothing will ever separate us from You, death nor life, angels nor demons, past nor future, or anything else in creation will be able to separate us from Your love.  Lord, through our faith we give back the life we owe, for the eternal promise of Your Kingdom.  Father, let Your Spirit fill our hearts so we can complete our service knowing that our sins have been paid in full.  Thank You,for restoring our broken lives through the death and resurrection of Son. in Jesus name Amen

Aretha Franklin - Precious Lord Parts 1 & 2

Almighty and eternal God, You have appointed Your only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world and willed to be appeased by His Blood. Grant, we beg, that we may worthily adore this price of our salvation and through its power be safeguarded from the evils of the present life so that we may rejoice in its fruits forever in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen

MORE THAN A CONQUEROR

The entities that stand against us: the false prophet, the flesh, Satan, generational curses, and our enemies.  This is why we must have a deep relationship with Christ so the Holy Spirit can protect us in our daily walk.  So, before we start our journey, we must take time out and spend with Him, talk to Him and let His Word speak to you.  Now we must be patient still and quite to hear Him, let the right attitude drawn out the noise around us, then we will hear His sweet soft voice.  When we make the Lord our Shepherd we will not want, for the things we need; we will not have to fear, because He will be with us and we will feel His presence.  Does this mean we will be exempt from the suffering and pains of life, no but we will have comfort and peace until it passes?

Romans 8:31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

“For your sake, we face death all day long;

    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

Father, thank You for saving us, thank You for not judging us as we judge each other.  Lord, thank You for accepting us into Your Kingdom, although we are still sinners; thank You for Your grace.  Lord, thank You for the hedge of protection You have around us, we are so grateful because so many did not make it.  Lord, You put our government in place, so we ask that You intervene right now and remove all that is not of You, in Jesus name.  Father, why are our Leaders silent about the injustice we see day to day; please give the Your wisdom, strength, and courage to do the right thing, Justice for ALL.  Father, give us eyes that see, Your path for us and ears that hear Your directions only; so we will not get lost.  Thank You for all the spiritual Soldiers You have surrounded us to help us with our walk, so none walk alone.  Father, help us understand that we are more than conquerors, not by our ability but by Yours, in Jesus name, Amen

ARE WE UNEQUALLY YOKED

Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

The Word tells us to cast all our cares on Christ.  We can give our life's luggage to Him and let Him carry it for us.  Jesus teachings provide an easy yoke in contrast to the heavy, suppressive yoke this world puts on us.   When we are unequally yoked with the people around us we bring burdens on ourselves.  When two people are not on the same page, it causes confusion and strife. 

Father, thank You for putting on the crosspiece that bring us together and evenly yoked.  Lord, continue helping us carry our burdens, so we will not become weary.  Lord, help us not to be unequally yoked in our relationship with You, strengthen our pray live and give us a burning sense for the things of the Spirit. So, help us wait for someone with whom we share the same spiritual beliefs and values, so we will have rest.  Father, help us be submissive to Your Word, let Your Son be the biggest influence in our lives and relationships, so we can become more like Him.  Lord, You have warned us to avoid those who are foolish and wicked, because of their ability to lead us away from You and into harm.  Father, we understand that those who are unequally yoked with us can be bad company that will ruin our character and good morals.  So, Lord, surround us with those who will encourage us toward righteousness, the Spiritual Soldiers that walk in Your way, in Jesus name, Amen

OUR PRAISE FACILITATES ACCESS TO GOD

Pride is turning from the devotion of the living God to the icon of our own ego.  Just like Satan, his fall did not come from destroying God's throne his downfall came from not praising God, but himself.  Once we stop praising God resistance and disobedience is nor far behind.  We have so much to praise God for, there's great power in giving honor to Him. And many of us live that truth out, every single day of our lives.  Yet the reality is that way too often, our daily struggles, jobs, children, spouse or constant life demands can crowd out our praise to God. But, it only takes a minute to praise Him: when we wake up the first thing we should do is thank Him.  "Father, God thank You for waking me up this morning, in my right mind and please continue to keep Your hedge of protection around me, in Jesus name, Amen"  now how much time did that take, Praise facilitates access to God.

1 Chronicles 16:23-31  Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim His salvation day after day. 24 Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples. 25 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods. 26 For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. 27 Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and joy are in His dwelling place. 28 Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 29 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to His name; bring an offering and come before Him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness. 30 Tremble before Him, all the earth! The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. 31 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”

Father, Your Word tells us "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord", so we come praising You with all our hearts and souls.  Lord, thank You, for waking us up and starting us on our way and we ask for comfort for those who loved ones did not see this day.  Lord, thank You for forgiveness and we pray for Your strength to forgive others.  Lord, it is Your Blood that paved the way for our forgiveness and it restored us to the Father and we are so grateful.  Father, we understand that our praise is what provides a clear and unhindered path to You, so we wake with thanksgiving and we enter into our day with praise.  Lord, we feel Your presence in an atmosphere of praise, which promotes our productivity and help our Fruit to grow.  Lord, let our praise maximize our faith, that will neutralize our frustrations and chase away our despairs.  Father, let our praise change our focus from self and worldly issues to You, in Jesus name, Amen

TAKING COMMUNION IN AN UNWORTHY MANNER

1 Cor. 11:26-29, "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. 27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to him if he does not judge the body rightly."

What exactly does this mean "in an unworthy manner?" There are different interpretations.  When we take communion we need to be fully aware that this act represents Jesus sacrifice, by which we are redeemed.  So to participate in communion while we have unforgiveness in our hearts, committing adultery, fornication, or have a problem with another Christian is an unworthy manner.  But this view is dangerous because no one is worthy to take communion if this is true.  Just like our Salvation and grace comes from God, so does our worthiness; Christ makes us worthy to break bread and have wine with Him, through the confessions of our sins and receive Him as our Savior.

Father, sometimes we may feel unworthy to take communion because of our sins; but then we realize that communion is for sinners, and believers who are sinners.  Lord, we understand that taking communion does not make our sins ok, but it is to remind us of Christ suffering and death on our behalf.  Father, we all struggle with something, so help us with repentance and struggle to gain the victory that we have not yet attained.  Lord, it is precisely this struggle that is a vindication of our position with Christ and a manifestation of our need for communion as an act of dependence upon Your work and grace. In Jesus name, Amen

FAVORITISM FORBIDDEN

James 2:1 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

Do you think you're better than others? Jesus didn't.  Do you treat your friends with material things better than those that do not have as much?  Jesus didn't.  Do you pick people with a connection as friends? Jesus didn't.  We should be grateful Jesus didn't, because He might not have picked us.  As Christians, we are supposed to be imitators of Christ who shows no favoritism, so neither should we.  In life, we show favoritism by favoring the rich over the poor, treating others differently because of misjudging them, one race over another race, one gender over another gender, a person’s status at work or church over someone else’s, when we pick sides that's favoritism and it is also a sin


Father, let us be respectable and kind to all people and let us not judge off of appearance and we repent of all partiality.  Lord, let us not think too highly of ourselves so we will be like Christ who made Himself lowly to walk among us.  Lord, we pray for Your strength to be renewed in us, and let a boost of faith overcome our fears and a splurge of Your power in our state of powerlessness.  Father, help us to our feet so we can once again run the race set before us. Lord, forgive us for favoritism and our failure to realize that the whole world is one family, all those who are in Christ.   Lord, forgive us for our prejudice and self-consciousness of race, color, or indifference, and our lack of concern for our people living in poverty and for the children who are undernourished. Lord, let us see all people the same, no matter their status, finances, or career, in Jesus name, Amen

PRAY FOR OUR WORLD

Romans 1:19-20  "...since what may be known about God is plain to them because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

God is not just a powerful figure in the world, he is the creator of the world. He brought it into existence with all of its interconnected processes, animate and inanimate. He created the earth and its environment.  We know God created the world, and we are only its stewards or trustees. The very first verse of the Bible says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”.  When we see the world as a gift from God, we will do our best to take care of it and use it wisely, instead of poisoning our waters and destroying the air we breathe.

Father, You said to Love others as ourselves, I think that taking care of the environment falls under that for sure.  Lord, if we pollute the environment we are not loving the people that will come after us.  Lord, You are not just a powerful figure in this world, You are the creator of the world; and brought it into existence with all of its interconnected processes, animate and inanimate.  Lord, You created the earth and its environment, forgive us for not taking care of Your creation as we should.  Father, we dump trash, plastic, and human waste into our water, we burn harmful chemicals that pollute the air, how long Lord, before this earth will be destroyed by those You put in charge to care for it.  So, Father, we come to You praying for the earth and all that You created, in Jesus name, Amen

WE NEED HIS ARMOR

We are God’s chosen people and we should live lifestyles that are distinctive from others.  Because we are only temporary residents in a foreign land, we should not mimic their fleshly and foolish ways.  While we are here, we will suffer the same way Christ suffered, but we must continue to walk in His will, with the right attitude.  Humble and obedient by keeping our focus on Christ, not man, He will give us eyes that see; the things of the spirit, and act accordingly with the Spirit on our behalf.  We must remember heaven is our homeland; so while we are here we are to bring as many souls to Christ as we can, not get caught up in the material things of the flesh.  To do this “We must be in war gear daily because darkness is always present; sometimes darkness come disguise as light”.

 So in order to stand against the enemy’s schemes and the spiritual battles that we will face daily; we need defensive armor “His divine nature”. His sword “the Word that has endured through all time”, we must be connected daily to Christ, “first thing in the morning and the last thing at night, and throughout the day.  We must pray as we dress for war, to draw from His divine grace; pray to release His Spiritual energy, Spiritual guidance, and Spiritual direction, because without Him we cannot do it.

Father, You know our struggles are not against the people that come up against us, but against the dark spirits and evil forces behind them.  Lord, help us put on our defensive armor, Your divine nature through what we have learned.  Give us Your wisdom and the knowledge to implement You in every part of our lives; help us practice Your teachings, even when we are under attack from the dark forces of this world.  Father, help us stand with the Truth, no matter who we have to stand against; so we will not be judged for following what we know is wrong.  Lord, help us keep on the breastplate of righteousness so we will have Your peace that we received from the Word during battle.  Father, strengthen our faith when the fiery arrows are launched at us, we pray as we put on our shield of faith and our helmet of salvation; that will keep a hedge of protection around us and remove every demonic spirit from us, in Jesus name, Amen

WHERE IS OUR FAITH NOW

In times of adversity, life can sometimes seem so bleak and dark that we feel on the verge of giving up hope.  Others around us may foretell doom and encourage us to face what they see as inevitable, but they are looking at the situation with the flesh.  Job wife was such a person.  After painful boils covered Job from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head, she said to him “Do you still hold fast to your integrity?  Curse God and die!  (Job 2:9)   Job wife was a foolish woman if we can accept the good from God; we should be able to endure the bad.   Regardless of what adversity we go thru in life, our faith should keep us strong and the fact that He has always been there with us.  At times, we must say aloud to ourselves, “I know God has a purpose for me, I know God will bring me thru this storm.  I know God is a loving and caring Father, that He is doing good and eternal work in my life.  Just like Job” In all this Job did not sin with his lips (Job 2:10) he trusted God thru whatever and we should too.

Job 4:2“Will you be patient and let me say a word?  For who could keep from speaking out?  3“ In the past you have encouraged many people; you have strengthened those who were weak.  4Your words have supported those who were falling; you encouraged those with shaky knees.  5But now when trouble strikes, you lose heart.  You are terrified when it touches you.  6Does not your reverence for God give you confidence?  Doesn’t your life of integrity give you hope?

Father, give us Your strength and courage in the time of adversity; as You have encouraged us in the past.  Lord, let us stand strong on Your Word, no matter what others say or do; because we know You and if we are patient and wait with the right attitude, You will keep Your promise.  Father, let us not fear or doubt You under no circumstances because You are God and You have never left us.  So, help us receive what we need to mature Spiritual, so this storm to will pass.  Lord. let our deep respect, wisdom, and knowledge of You; fill our hearts with Your personal peace in times of trouble, baptize us in the Holy Spirit where we are weak; and remove every demonic spirit around us.  Father, help us live and experience peace, more than we talk about it, in Jesus name, Amen

LET US PRAY

Lord we come to You as humble as we know how, to worship and praise Your name. Lord we understand that destruction can come in a moment, but healing may take a lifetime. Teach us perseverance, teach us dedication, baptize us in the things of the Spirit;  so we can receive inward change.  We pray for our World God of the weak, God of the broken-hearted, God of the living, God of the dead, send healing to our World. Send hope to the children who are lost and alone, Send strength and healing to the wounded, and comfort to the grieving. Fill the leaders of our World with the wisdom to raise their country up. Fill relief workers with knowledge of this World needs. Bless the doctors and nurses with the power and the skill to save as many lives as possible. Open their eyes, steady their hands. We pray for our World. Lord we pray for our World and the people in it, no matter how great or small, saved or lost, color or creed Lord we pray for our World. God, be with all the children that are returning to school this school year, give them guidance and protection. Calm their fears, ease their homesickness (for those that will be leaving home for college), and bring new and vibrant relationships into their lives. Lord allow them to excel in every subject, and become the young man and woman You caIled them to be, we pray in Your precious name Amen

GOD DOSE EXIST I HAVE PROOF

Just once wouldn't you love for someone to simply show you the evidence for God's existence?  My mother had a brain stroke, which caused her to have Alzheimer.  Her memory would come and go, sometimes she knew me sometimes not, she could not remember her birthday, she could not remember where she lived, and sometime she would even forget her name.  But, she never forgot about God, I would put her to bed she would pray; when she was having pain she would call on Jesus, and she would say to me have you seen my Bible.  I took care of my mother for seven years and it amazed me how her memory got worst, her health got worst, but her knowledge of the Lord never changed.  I was just thinking about this and began to cry, GOD is the strongest existence in our lives; even in sickness we still know Him.  Caring for my mother taught me patience, it taught me how to give of myself without expecting anything in return, It taught me how to express unconditional love, even though she did not remember loving me.  But as I look back on the year of caring for her, I have seen sufficient evidence that GOD does exist and He is the strongest force in our lives.

Father, it seems like more and more people these days only believe in what they can see, hear, touch, taste, or smell.   But Father, we know everything that exists was caused to exist; fire causes heat, rain causes crops to grow, our parents caused us to be here!  Lord, just like the clay, did not shape itself into a vase; we to had to be shaped by someone.  An acorn will always grow into an oak tree, the sun will always cause light; oxygen causes us to breathe, and nourishment causes us to grow. The world has order and our universe obeys certain laws, Father, we understand that since everything that is created needs a cause, there must be a first, ultimate cause that created this world and everything in it and that cause is You.  So, thank You, for Your existence and saving me, in Jesus name, Amen

COMPROMISING GOD’S WORD

True Christians never allow decisions that conform to societal expectation change their biblical morals.  They never look outside the Word no matter who’s doing what, just because the government accepts what society is doing, doesn’t make it right in God’s sight.  True Christians understand that following man will lead to destruction only God’s will matter to a true Christians.  We are to follow man laws, as long as it does not compromise God’s will.

"James 4:17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin."    The Bible makes it clear that God does not condone compromising His standards: “Peaceful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD. Joyful are those who obey His laws and search for Him with all their hearts. Christ followers will not compromise with evil to please their worldly desires, they walk only in His will.

Father, there are so many people in this world that follow people that have evil and wicked intentions, without question; because that's all they know.  Father, give them discernment so they can see the evil they follow then they will pull away from those who work in darkness. Lord, there are so many that are lost and looking for guidance in all the wrong places; give them a desire for the things of the Spirit so they will search for You with all their hearts.  Father, renew their minds and give them eyes that see, Your plan is a better way of life for them and their loved ones.  Lord, let us not compromise Your Word for society wicked ways and actions, but let us follow what will lead us to You.  Lord, forgive us for following man's laws to please our will, instead of following Christ.  Forgive us for losing another generation by not teaching our children the way to go so they would not have strayed so far from You.  Father, help us be inward changed men and women so You can use us as vessels that will lead others to You.  Lord, let our words and actions bring honor to You, so Your light will be seen in us and the goodness and mercy of You will shine through, in Jesus name Amen

LORD TAKE US OUT OF OUR FEELINGS AND MOVE US TOWARD YOUR SPIRIT

Ephesians 4:31-32 Put away from you all bitterness, wrath, anger, wrangling, and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. 

Holy One, You call us from the busy lives we lead; You call us from our preoccupations and selfishness; You call us to put away our wrath, and our anger; You call us to be kind to one another, tenderhearted and forgiving to all people, all nations and all of creation.  Lord, help us live out Your calling.  We come to You, seeking Your courage, strength, and guidance, knowing that without You we are lost. Renew us and guide us in Your love; teaching us how to be sensitive to the culture in which we live, that we may hear and understand its needs; teaching us how to frame Your good news for our time; teaching us how to trust You in the journey of life; teaching us how to live Your peace in our broken world; teaching us how to live and share Your abundant grace. Grant us, O God, the sensitivity and wisdom to be inclusive to all people and all nations. When we feel unsure or afraid, grant us Your tender hearted voice, gentle words, and grace-filled actions. In Jesus name, Amen.

MADE IN HIS IMAGE

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.

To all the people that have had liposuction, implants, breast lifts, facelifts, ECT, has it improved your life?  Are you loved more now than before, has it improved your finances, are you a better person than you were before.  You look better, but do you feel better, or was it a waste of money.  God designed us in His image, now if we get this right everything else will fall in to place.  Eating right and exercise will make you look and feel better.  Asking God to bring the right person into your life will ensure you will be loved for who you are and not for your appearance.  Tithing, being a better steward, and standing on God’s Word will get your finances in order and having faith and the right attitude will get our hearts right.  Stop worrying about people and their opinion and focus on the image that created us

Father, when we consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; what are we that You take thought of us.  To the point that You took Your Son and made Him a little lower than God, so we could be crown with grace and majesty!   Which made the Word our stabilizing and authoritative manual for all that we need for life and godliness. Lord, baptize us in with the Fruit of the Spirit, that brings maturity into our Christian walk as we firmly plant ourselves into the solid teaching of Your Holy Word. We apply Your teaching so that we will attain to the fullness of Your Son, Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone. Help us to be wise and firmly planted in Christ so that we will not be like children tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine and this lost world, in Jesus’ name...AMEN!

EQUALITY

History tells us, in the 20th-century civil rights movement, where our grandparents and great-grandparents (black and white) marched and died for equality and the right to vote. So yes, we should honor the privilege and responsibility of taking part in our electoral process. Especially when we consider that in Biblical times the Jews were under Roman rule and, they were not Roman citizens. Therefore, they were not permitted to vote. In fact, most Roman citizens could not vote. Only the very wealthy were allowed to vote. So everyone that has a right to vote should vote; to put people in office with godly principles, morals, character, and experience.

Romans 13:3 Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for any reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

Lord, please give those that have their right to vote; the desire to do what is right, and vote for leaders that promote Your principles.  Father, we understand that You are certainly in control; but all believers should do their part to elect leaders to further Your will.  Lord, we are commanded to pray for our leaders; even though we are displeased with our choice of leadership.  Lord, much of our suffering and sin’s grip on this world is due to godless leadership.  Father, we are instructed by Your Word to obey authority; unless it contradicts with Your commands. Lord, any candidate that violates the Bible’s commands for life, family, vows to You, or faith are not who we will support.  Lord, let us stop complaining and start voting and speaking for You; then allow You to do the rest, in Jesus name, we pray Amen

STAND FOR EQUALITY 

CHRIST CHOSE HUMILITY NOT POWER

Proverbs16:19 It is better to be humble in Spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud.  1 Peter 3:4 but let it be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.

Choosing Christ is a voluntary surrender of our will for His divine plan for us.  Just as Jesus chose humility, not power a conscious choice.  Goodness, humbleness, and kindness are to be a choice in our lives.  It is a willingness to live for others having found living for ourselves to be too small of a reason. Our Spiritual Fruit is a virtue that should be obvious to those around us when we follow Christ. 

Father, Your Son suffered for us, leaving us an example, which we should follow; having a modest view of our own importance.  Lord, we thank You every time we remember You; in all our prayers, thoughts and actions.  Father, we know You desire us to be good, humble, and kind because we are heirs to Your throne like Your Son.  So, Lord, help us become the people You designed us to be; and let our maturity, show others Your goodness in us.  Father, let our love abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that we are able to discern what is best for us.  In Jesus name, Amen

FEED YOUR APPETITES

Acts 24:16 Therefore I always exercise and discipline myself mortifying my body, deadening my carnal affections, bodily appetites, and worldly desires, endeavoring in all respects to have a clear unshaken, blameless conscience, void of offense toward God and toward men.

We have to teach our appetites to wait on the Lord, His will, will satisfy us.  If we allow the Word to feed our hearts, we will have intimacy with Christ.  Then we will not have to try to be good, the goodness like a storm of grace will smother us with blessings. 

Father, when we were living in the flesh our sinful appetites that were awakened and aroused up by what the Law makes sin were constantly operating in our natural powers in our bodily organs, in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh, so we did not develop fruit.  Lord, let the Word feed us with the things of the Spirit, that helps us nourish our Souls and minds; then our appetites will be for righteousness and not evil and wickedness.   Lord, without You in our hearts and minds, we will hunger for the will of the flesh, that separates us from the Father; so baptize in the Holy Spirit through our study, worship, prayer, and praise; that will help us wait on You to order our steps.  Father, give us Christ-like character. that will deaden our carnal appetites, in Jesus name, Amen

DON'T BE A BARREN TREE

Matthew3:10 And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire.  11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire

When we receive Christ as our Savior, study and practice His teachings; we will begin to produce Fruit, consistent with repentance.  Our Fruit is what helps us do good work that results from a miraculous inner transformation.  But if our hearts are dark and wicked we will not produce Fruit or repent for our sins and our Spirits will die.

Father, You said that the kingdom of heaven is near, please help us develop Fruit and repentance, so we will not perish.   Lord, let us not just repent with our lips but truly hate sin from the depth of our hearts so we will acknowledge You as our Savior.  Lord, we ask You to heal our hearts, minds, and souls; so we can enter into Your Kingdom, and sit at Your feet.  Father, we know we are sinners, we thank You for dying on the cross so we could have grace and live; by choosing You.  Lord, take up residence in our hearts and teach us to walk with You and live for You, as we turn away from our everything that separates us from You, in Jesus name, Amen

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST OR JUST HIS WORD

Matthew 2:5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come a King, that shall rule my people Israel.

Knowledge of scripture does not guarantee that our hearts are right with God.  The Priests and Scribes knew scripture well enough to know that a King (our Savior) would be born in Bethlehem, but because their hearts were dark; they did not receive Him.  

Father, let us not just hear and read the Word; but help us receive the wisdom and knowledge of Christ so we will have a renewing of our hearts and minds.  Lord, let not our hearts be filled with pride, hate, envy, and jealousy; so our souls will not be filled with deceit and trickery, that will darken our Spirits and make us reject Him.  Let us demonstrate the character of Christ, that will lead others away from darkness into Your light.   Father, search our Souls and cast out demons and break Satan’s grip on our lives so we can become the people You created.  Lord, surround us with guarding Angels that will protect us from the fiery \arrows of our enemies.  Father, just as Moses delivered us from Pharaoh, Your Son will deliver us from this dark world.  In Jesus name,  Amen 

YOU TAUGHT ME

You taught me, how to think before I pray, because if I go to the altar without a clean heart, I will hinder my blessing, by what I may say

You taught me, not to judge people by their appearance; but by their morals and character, because that’s who they really are

You taught me, no matter how much good work I do, it will not take the shadows of my secret sins.

You taught me, that I can rise above, by not letting my anger override my Spirit

You taught me, that pride and greed will make me do some sinful things

You taught me, to let You fight my battles because my struggles are not against flesh and blood; but against the rulers, against authorities, against the power of dark and evil Spirits.

You taught me, how to forgive, be forgiven and become a better person

So I stand here today to say thank You, for what You taught me

WALK IN SPIRIT NOT IN YOUR FEELINGS

If we do not manage our lives God will not let us grow because every new level comes with new Devils. If we cannot handle the Devils we are dealing with on this level God will not let us move forward. If we can't forgive what the devils are doing to us now God will not be able to use us, in His will, because we are in our feelings. Our purpose is to be Holy and to be Holy we must rise above our feelings and let the Spirit lead.  We can accomplish nothing in the flesh,  so let the Spirit lead, get self out the way.  The next time someone curses you bless them, we can do this in the Spirit. The next time you see someone in need help them,  When someone pushes you, let the Spirit lead you away from them.  To manage our lives is to walk in Spirit, not in our feelings, then God will move us forward.

Galatians 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentlenesses, self-control; against such things, there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Father, thank You for the strength to forgive those who have wronged us so we can move forward; and be used by You.  Lord, we understand that if we stay in our feelings there will be no healing, so baptize us in the Holy Spirit that gives us strength and courage to manage our lives in Spirit, not n the flesh.  Father, thank You for the wisdom we have received by practicing what we have heard.  Glory to You Lord, for Your transforming grace, thank You for the knowledge that helps us implement You in our daily lives.  Father, search our hearts and help us manage the thing that hinders our growth.  Give us eyes that see Christ-like so we will make the righteous decisions in our day to day walk.  In Jesus name Amen

OUR SECRET SINS

1 Samuel 16:7 No sin, not even a whispered curse or a fleeting evil thought is hidden from the view of God. In fact, if we realized that God himself is the only audience for such secret sins, we might be less inclined to write them off so lightly.   The Bible declares that God will one day judge the secrets of every heart (Romans 2:16). He "will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:14).

A lot of people like to pretend they are good-hearted, in the eyes of man; but God knows our dark secrets.  These are the same people that will judge others so harshly, for committing the same sins they committed.    They hide their sins "or so we think" in the unswept closet of our conscience; but all our hidden and unconfessed sins, we will have to face.  Because, just when we think we have gotten away with our secret sins; God will expose us in front of man, with a bright light for all to see.

Father, it seems those that are evil and dark-hearted are getting away with their secret sins, but what most of us do not realize; is You are a just God, and they will receive judgment for their sins.  Lord, You are kind, because it is Your nature; but what a heavy penalty will be paid, by those who see the kindness of Calvary and go about their lives unchanged.  Father, help us understand that no matter how much good we do, it does not excuse the secret sins that others do not see.  So, Lord, we ask that You expose those who do good in the sight of man; for their own motives and glory, as well as their sins against You and others, expose them, Lord,  in Jesus name, Amen

So people are not to think of secret sins as somehow less serious and more respectable than the sins everyone sees.

GOODNESS HAS NO SHAME

Jesus hung naked on a cross so that we might be cloth in grace and mercy.  The only sinless person, shed His Blood to save all sinners.  How could we be ashamed to speak His name, how could we not worship Him; why would we not desire to have a relationship with Him.   To not pray, worship, praise, or witness, is to forget the price Jesus paid for our sins.

Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes; first for the Jews, then for the Gentiles.

Father, Your wrath against our sins are being revealed from the Throne against all the godlessness and wickedness of man who suppresses the Truth and Your people.  Lord, since the creation of this world Your character, eternal power, and divine nature have been clearly seen, by those who believe.  Father, although some say they believe, they neither glorified You nor give thanks for Your grace and mercy.   So, Father, help us not be religious fanatics; but inward changed men and women, and let not our thinking become futile.  Lord, fill us with the Holy Spirit, that gives us wisdom and the knowledge to implement YOU in our daily lives, in Jesus name, Amen