Last night’s devotion on the joy of the Lord followed me to bed and this morning I woke thanking God again for this unspeakable joy. How did I ever live without it? I will tell you how, I lived with anxiety, fear, and pain. Those weapons of the enemy no longer reside in my space. At times they try and show up to visit, but they quickly leave because joy and peace has taken up residence. To God be the glory! Honestly, there are times that things of this world make me sad. My heart breaks for what breaks God’s heart. However, even though I am sympathetic to the things going on in the world, I am not moved by them. The Spirit moves me. My joy is spiritual, and it comes from God who I know is in control of every situation. Spiritual joy trumps physical happiness. Because happiness depends on something good happening. Spiritual joy is there regardless of what is happening within or around you. My joy comes from His Word. My joy comes from His truth. The world will not understand why you are joyous, why you are singing and dancing, why you are worshipping and praising God in the middle of a storm. You can be peaceful and joyous if you stand on His promises! It is the perfect opportunity to show the world who our God is and how He is working in our lives. How He wants to do the same in the lives of others. It is not just enough to sit back and keep from becoming like the world. We must let our light and joy shine so brightly that others will see it. And they will wonder how, what, where, and from whom does this joy come? It is the perfect opportunity to share how the joy of the Lord is priceless! Spiritual joy trump’s any happiness this world may offer! Love and blessings…

“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.” (Luke:8:16)

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” (Psalm 28:7)

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)

“Also, that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.” (Neh. 12:43)

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

There is a time in life when we have to decide to fight a battle or walk away in silence. Do I fight for a cause I believe in? Do I fight for what is right? We all know that exploiting the vulnerable is evil. Martin Luther King said, “The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.” Jesus said, “Learn to do good: seek justice, correct oppression: bring justice to the fatherless, and plead the widow’s cause,” (Isaiah 1:17). If you stand silently by and watch injustice, then you are just as guilty. As believers the answer is simple. Our sense of justice is transfused to us by our Creator God. He is loving, kind, and merciful and He is also righteous, holy, and just.  

“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless: maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute,” (Psalm 82:3)

“Learn to do good: seek justice, correct oppression: bring justice to the fatherless, and please the widow’s cause,” (Isaiah 1:17)

“He has told you, O man, what is good: and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)

It is hard not to fight for something you believe in or for a loved one. To not fight for my son is like telling me not to breathe. To be honest if you really want to make me salty, mess with him! But glory be to God, I am learning that he is also God’s child, and He will fight for him much better than I ever could. I am still a work in progress, but I am learning to go to the Heavenly Father, who fights for us all. I have seen the results when I get on my knees and intercede for my son, (or anyone). God shows up and shows out! I am just saying prayer is a powerful weapon!  

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)

“No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgement. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the LORD.” (Isaiah 54:17)

“The Rock, His work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4)

The hardest battles are those we cannot see, when it comes to spiritual warfare, we have to fight! We cannot sleep or be distracted when it comes to spiritual warfare. The Bible tells us we must be vigilant and sober. We must put on the whole armor of God. I say never take it off! We must look beyond the surface and ask God to open our spiritual eyes. The battle in the spiritual realm is ongoing and real. Satan is a master at deception. Beware when feelings and thoughts are not in harmony with the Word of God. Fighting is resisting the temptations of the enemy. Fighting is staying in tuned with God and His Word. Our weapon is the Word. Our greatest weapon is prayer. The Bible says resist the devil and he will flee. Just know the devil is not going to give up without a fight. God gave the land to the Israelites, but they still had to fight for it. And as long as they obeyed God, they were conquerors. The enemy will use your family, friends, or anyone else to get to you. He will try and separate you from your connection with the Lord. He knows that is where your strength lies. The good news is that Jesus has come and conquered. The war is already won in the heavens. The enemy has been defeated so we fight from victory, not for victory!

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

“Be sober, be vigilant: because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11-13)

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

“For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4)

At the beginning I asked should we fight or not? When it comes to the enemy, yes, we wage war, being passive is not an option! Every battle that we face in the physical world is connected to the battles being waged in the invisible, spiritual world. This is why it is important to ask God to open our spiritual eyes. We must pray for discernment and wisdom. We have to recognize the enemy’s attacks which sometimes comes in pretty packages.  

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” (Philippians 1:9-10)

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

I did not ask should we judge, only God can do that. The question is should we stand up and fight against the injustices of this world. Should we stand up for what is right? And remember what is right to the world is not necessarily right in God’s eyes. If we want to take a stand, Jesus is our example of righteousness. Jesus demonstrates a beautiful example for us to follow in the New Testament as one who cared for the outcast and reached out with compassion to help those who were in need. Jesus pursued justice. He physically and spiritually rescued those in need. We can look at the life of Jesus and the mandate given throughout Scripture as our example on how we should live and what we should stand for. Micah 6:8 connects our faith with our actions, our care for those in need with our walk with God. We are called to act and confront evil, to care for the vulnerable, and to make right that which is wrong. What we must remember is to first seek God and His Word and to be led by the Holy Spirit. He will let us know whether to fight or stand still. We can’t stand up and fight for everybody but with faith we can stand up and fight for somebody! Love and Blessings…

“For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me.” (Psalm 18:39)

“What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)

“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. (1 Timothy 6:11-12)

If we focus on what is going on within us and around us in today’s world, we can feel anxiety and hopelessness. We can feel uncertainty about the future which can lead to worry and depression. But God says do not worry or be anxious about anything! The reality is these unprecedented times can make anyone concerned, even Christians. We can be concerned without being afraid. We can be informed but not scared. We are not moved by the world, but by God’s Word. Our focus should be on things above and not the things of this sinful world. Those of us who know Him and believe His Word, realize that there is no need to worry, because we know how the story ends. We should stay in His presence, pray, and prepare, while at the same time living the gift of life joyously and without fear. God says whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. God says, “You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.” (Psalm 5-6). It may seem as if the enemy has taken over and the world has gone crazy, people are doing and saying some crazy stuff. But God said in Revelations 1:11, “I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.” Which means He is in control, so why should we worry? Scripture says, “He is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer: He is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2). I take comfort in these words no matter what I hear, see, or feel. Because God said it and I trust Him. In Exodus 15:26, God said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought to the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.” We have a right to expect to walk in the blessings of God. Not because of anything we have done but because what Jesus did. Because of the blood He shed on the cross we have the right to live a life of joy, purpose, and abundance. This is not the time to be worried or anxious about what is going on in the world, but the time to seek God and His righteousness. God will protect his people from harm and no weapon formed against them will prosper. How do I know? Because He said so in Isaiah 54:14 and I stand on His promises! Love and Blessings…  

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)  

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3)  

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 8:6-7)  

“Honor the Lord! You are his special people. No one who honors the Lord will ever be in need.” (Psalm 34:9)  

“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD. (Isaiah 54:17)  

“Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36)

---

Fear can paralyze you, it can stop you dead in your tracks! We all have experienced fear, but those of us who keep moving in spite of the fear, get to experience the victory. Faith over fear is not just something we say, it is something we must do. Having faith means being active, not sitting back moaning or complaining about life,just waiting for a change to come. Faith is trusting God enough to step out on that faith. It means loving ourselves, believing in ourselves and using the transforming power of God to help us keep moving forward. Fear blinds us from the facts, fear keeps us angry and disempowered by grief. Fear keeps us focused on what might happen rather than on what will happen if we allow God to lead us into our God given purpose. If you don't know your purpose, no better time than now to seek God for answers. Once you know your purpose, don't let fear stop you. We have within us everything we need to overcome any of life's challenges. Keep moving! Love and Blessings...

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
Do not forsake othe work of your hands." (Psalm:138:8)

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremy 29:11)

"So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you." 
(Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT)

There is a post on Facebook that reads, “Don’t mess with me, I am part Holy and part Hood.” My first instinct was to laugh, although my spirit did not think it was funny. It is no laughing matter because the truth is, when it comes to God, we cannot be part in, we must be ALL IN! The flesh however is a different story. It does not automatically follow when we accept the Lord as our Savior. We must die to our flesh daily in order to walk in salvation. It is a constant battle between the spirit man and the flesh because our deceived, corrupt flesh believes our life will be happier if we gratify it. The struggle is real. It is a struggle that we can only win with the help of the Holy Spirit, we cannot do it on our own. When we are born again and become a new person in Christ, the Holy Spirit who lives within us will help us to put our flesh to death. Some people may choose to give in to the flesh and live in the world, and some may choose to surrender to the Spirit who has overcome the flesh. Then there are those who choose to be as the post read, “part holy and part hood.” In other words, they straddle the fence, or as some say walk on the line, not stepping completely on either side. Which do you choose?

“And put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” (Ephesians 4:24) NASB

“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out.” (Romans 7:18) ESV

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:11)

God has given us freewill. The ability to choose. There are scriptures in the Bible that tells us that we have the right and the ability to choose the direction we will go and what we will do. This power to choose is not something that should be considered lightly, because what comes along with the power to choose is accountability for our choices. We have free will to decide who we will serve. However, the Bible clearly states we cannot serve to masters. We have free will to decide if we will obey or disobey. But as Christians, we cannot decide to obey sometimes, when it benefits us and then disobey other times because we want to please the world. Scripture says we should obey all God’s commands, always. The most important choice we have is the freewill to decide between life or death. We have a choice to accept the gift of Salvation. Scripture tells us that we can choose between life and death, blessings, and curses. Which do you choose?

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19) NIV

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24) KJV

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

“And this is love that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.” (2 John 1:6) ESV

I am not saying we will always be on point and never fall short. The Bible tells us that we all fall short. The Bible also tells us that as Christians we should make every effort to do what is pleasing in the sight of God. Sure, there will be moments that our flesh will try to pull us back into the darkness, but greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world. We must remain steadfast and dedicated in our faith, not straddling the fence, or stepping into the dark side. We must stay strong and trust in God. For those who choose to follow Christ, He has predestined us to be conformed to the image of his Son. When we surrender to Jesus and His gift of salvation, we will have a fulfilling life here on earth and are destined for a glorious life in eternity. And because our eternal destination is at stake, we should choose wisely. Our life depends on it! Love and Blessings…

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23)

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4) NIV

“For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:8)

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Romans 8:13-14)  

“For God by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:3-4)

“In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:11-12) ESV

No matter how secure you feel today in your life, relationships, or business, there will come a time when the clouds roll in. That is life and no one, no matter how they pretend or try to hide it, is excluded. Especially believers of Christ because we are satan’s enemies.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)  

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)  

Life can be hard. Your finances may be extremely tight. Prices are steadily rising. You or someone you love is extremely sick and you have been praying but they do not seem to be getting better. You are mentally drained, and depression keeps trying to sneak upon you. The entire world seems to be going up in flames or to the pits of hell. The question is what do we do on the cloudy days or in the seasons of darkness? Does your head begin to swim in confusion, does your heart grow weary? Do you become angry or lose faith as the light around you start to disappear? Or do you remember the promises of God? In John 16:33, Jesus tells us that we do not have to worry or fear because He has overcome the world.

“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” (Matthew 6:25)

“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Mathew 6:34)

Whatever is happening inside or outside of you, remember God is good. And nothing will stop His great plan to replace darkness with light, coldness with warmth, hatred with love, and loneliness with union. Nothing will stop or block His love and care for us. Not war, violence, pandemics, sickness, darkness, depression, politics, or even death. All these things are temporary. But God’s love and promises remains. Therefore, we can be confident that it is going to be ok.  

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:35-39) NLT

So next time you feel fear rising in your heart with anxiety, despair, or panic, take a deep breath. Look up at the stars. They have been shining from millions of miles away, all these years. As nations crumbled. As new kings and presidents rose to power and then died. As wars were waged. And as peace was made. As plagues swept across the earth and claimed millions of lives, and as those plagues disappeared. As economic booms took place, and as those booms faded into dismal recessions. Through all these changes, these same stars have been shining. Quietly singing and dancing and giving their silent praise to God. Let us do as the stars, and no matter what is going on keep shining. Hold your head up. When you are looking down, all you can see is what is down. It limits your perspective and lowers your expectations. When we look up, we can start seeing beyond our present circumstances. When we look up, we see the beauty of God. When we look up, we see all the possibilities. When we look up, we begin to believe for a better tomorrow. When we look up, we can begin to see that God is at work, even in our trials. When we look up, we can face tomorrow.  

“Clearly, you are a God who works behind the scenes, God of Israel, Savior God.” (Isaiah 45:15)

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13)

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

We will not let anyone, or anything dim our shine! We will keep shining, doing God’s work, and giving Him the glory. We will not lose faith, in the good times or the tough times. We will bear witness to the fact that God is good, and that He has the entire world in His hands. Love and Blessings…

“So that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky” (Philippians 2:15)

I pray for patience daily, to be honest it is something that I struggle with. Every time I think I have made progress; something happens, and I am in God’s face again asking for more patience. Sound familiar? When we think of patience, we think of the waiting. Today I had a revelation. It is not just about the waiting, but also endurance and long-suffering. Long suffering from the Greek word “makrothumia” means “long-tempered” or patience.  

“Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:10) NIV

Where I and many of us slip up is our stamina when it comes to patience. How long are we supposed to be patient, how long is too long? Who are we to determines how long we should be patient with a person or situation? I hate to think about what it would be like if God gave us a timeframe of how long He will be patient with us. If God’s Word told us to have patience for a few minutes with someone or gave us a timeframe in a desperate situation, we could probably manage that: but the longsuffering the Bible speaks of is a patient endurance. Our God is long-suffering.  

“The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.” (Numbers 14:18) KJV

Long-suffering means enduring injury, trouble, or provocation long and patiently. This describes Jesus perfectly, who was cruelly wronged, terribly sinned and transgressed against, and who had both the authority, the ability, and the power to avenge the wrong, but does not do it. Long-suffering is one of the fruit of the Spirit and it requires endurance and patience. Do not believe that because you are patient and long-suffering, you are weak and have to be a doormat. Actually, it makes you bold and strong in character, able to resist quick and rash decisions or allow people or situations to snatch you out of your character. Our God is the essence of patience and long-suffering, and He is by no means weak!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,” (Galatians 5:22) KJV

“Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.” (Psalm 147:5) NIV

In our trials and tribulations where we see no end, it is not easy to be patient. And it may require long-suffering and sacrifice. However, it is a sacrifice that makes us more like Jesus, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us. When difficult people, situations, and trials come our way, we must remember that they are going to help us reach our goal as believers, which is to become more Christ-like each day. We want to get to the point where we can patiently endure hardships for a long time without complaining or giving up. We want to face problems and trials with the confidence that we are not alone, God is always active and helping us develop and grow spiritually.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) NIV

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28) NIV

Human patience or long-suffering runs out pretty quickly when there are no visible results or end. The patience and long-suffering that the scriptures speak of requires us to allow God to work on and in us. We all are a work in progress. We cannot do it ourselves. It has to be the work of the Spirit of Christ in our lives. The Holy Spirit will put into us the long-suffering nature of God himself. We will be able to tolerate anything and do all things through Christ who will strengthen us. The key is to focus on God, not the trials. We can be patient, knowing that there is hope. Hope that God’s Words and His promises always come through in the end. Hope that whatever happens it will be for our good even if we do not understand at the time. Hope that in spite of everything God has saved us, and we have eternal life!  

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6) NIV

“being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” (Colossians 1:11-12) NIV

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13) NIV

The love Father God has shown us is definitely patient and long-suffering. As God has shown us, we must make every effort to do the same for others. Through our trials and tribulations, we must belong-suffering. We must keep her eyes on the Lord and not grow faint. Love and Blessings…  

“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4) NIV

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:30-32) NIV

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:2-3) NIV

“But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:16) NIV

“Wait for the LORD; BE strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14) NIV

I do not remember the exact time or place I surrendered my life to Christ. Someone said it does not matter if you do not remember when you were saved as long as you remember you are saved. We have heard of God supernaturally, miraculously appearing to people in dreams and visions, leading them to finding Christ and accepting Him as their Lord and Savior. This is amazing when it happens! But usually, the way people hear about Christ is God uses someone to tell them the Good News of Salvation. Jesus was clear and straightforward to his disciples on what he wanted them to do. The authority was delegated to the disciples to announce the Good News to all. Jesus uses us today as His disciples to spread the Gospel, so that the Lord will be with them and live in them. Saving souls requires that we introduce them to Jesus who is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life." Every Christian is either someone who is being sent to preach the gospel, or we are someone who God uses to help send those who are being sent. Either way, every one of us is called to God’s mission to save lost souls from a Christ-less eternity. God does not want to lose one soul! Whether it is around the world, across the street, or in your household, we must spread the Good News. People need to hear this incredible story of love, sacrifice, and salvation! My personal prayer today is Lord use me to save souls, send me! What about you, have you inspired others to follow Jesus?

"When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick." (Luke 9:1-2)

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)

"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How,then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10: 13-15)

If you find just one true friend in your life time, you are truly blessed. True friends are rare but there is one friend that is available to us all. That friend is Jesus who loves us so much that the Holy Spirit lives within us, so that we are never alone. During His last crucial hours with His closest followers, whom He called “friends”, Jesus talked a lot about the Holy Spirit. He wanted His disciples to know they would not be alone even though He was leaving them. He left them and us with the Holy Spirit, who is our everything, including our best friend.

I have learned to especially appreciate the presence of my friend, the Holy Spirit when I go through difficult times. Even then He gives me joy and sustains me with strength and hope. When I am sad, He cheers me, when I am mistreated, He gives me grace to endure, when I am accused or misunderstood, He fights my battles for me, when I make a mistake and want to beat myself up, He encourages me and forgives me without judgement. When I am in despair, He reminds me that He loves me. Jesus is an example of the type of friend we want to be.

Our friends should know even if we are miles away, even if we don’t talk everyday, that we are there for them if they need us. Let’s ask the Lord to help us be the type of friends who speak life, truth, grace and hope to one another. True friends pray for each other, speak wisdom and offer encouragement. True friends love you unconditionally. True friends are forever.What a friend we have in Jesus! Love and Blessings…

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate  to help you and be with you forever” (John 14:16)

“No  longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15)

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John:15:13)

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another”(Proverbs 27:17)

Last week I had a PET scan. A PET scan is a specialized imaging method that uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of the brain, heart, or body. It allows your doctor to detect and evaluate what is going on within you. A couple of weeks ago I had a SOUL scan. Only God is capable of this type of scan, of seeing and evaluating your soul. God saw something in my SOUL scan that was not pleasing to Him. Don’t judge me, we all have been guilty of the self-sins. Sins of self-righteousness, self-pity, self-admiration, self-sufficiency, and a host of others like them. Sometimes they dwell so deep within us and are too much a part of our human nature for us to see them. But God sees them! When God does a SOUL scan, they cannot hide, they will be seen by the Great Physician Himself!

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)

If a PET scan detects something suspicious or harmful, the doctor will follow up with a diagnosis and then attempt to treat and/or remove the problem. When a SOUL scan finds something that is not pleasing to God, the Holy Spirit does the same. He will first convict us. In the Strong Concordance the Greek word convict means to bring to light or to expose. When the Holy Spirit convicts a Christian, it is how the Lord rebukes His children in love. The Holy Spirit reminds us of our righteousness paid for by the finished works of Jesus Christ on the cross. I used to believe the Holy Spirit convicted us of our sins, but Jesus bought and paid for our sins on the cross. Don’t get John 16:8 twisted; it reads “ When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment” (NIV) As believers we benefit from conviction by the Holy Spirit as we grow more like Christ. The devil wants us to feel unworthy and separate ourselves from God because he knows nothing can ever separate God from us! The Holy Spirit reminds us of our righteousness and the Grace of God will teach us to live in that righteous.

“And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,  and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” (Hebrews 12:5-6)

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:24-25)

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” (Romans 8:38 NLT)

As we fight the battle of flesh against spirit, there will always be work to be done within us. In 1 Corinthians 15:31, Paul said that he dies to the flesh daily. Paul did not have the Holy Spirit to help him as we are blessed to have today. We cannot die daily in our own strength. When we want to know Jesus on a deeper level, the flesh has to be put to death daily. That is why we need the Holy Spirit and from time to time a SOUL scan to empower us. With each passing day, by God’s grace, we mature and grow into righteous living. Not in perfection or trying to earn or achieve it but by pursuing God’s character, because it is the desire of our new nature to become more Christlike. To pursue righteousness means to turn away from your natural, sinful desires, and turn to Christ and His perfect and righteous ways. Through obedience to this command, God is preparing us for eternal life with Him, aligning us with our righteousness through Christ. Our righteousness began in Christ and is completed in Christ. We must follow Him and pursue it daily.

“And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness” (Romans 4:5)

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

PET scans do not hurt although some positions might be uncomfortable or tiring. It is common to get claustrophobia and experience fear and anxiety about the possible outcomes. SOUL scans may also make us uncomfortable. You may experience fear and anxiety thinking that God has found something that you were hiding, although we know we can’t hide anything from Him. You may feel unworthy of God’s love or feel you have let Him down. You may feel weak in your faith and your walk with Christ. Don’t let the enemy feed you those lies! SOUL scans will show us areas in which we need to improve and will point out anything in us that displeases God. Just as any good physician should do, the Great Physician will help us work to remove and restore, and He will provide us with the strength and healing to do it. We must do our part by confessing, repenting and trusting God. The same power that raised Jesus from the grave is the same power that lives in us, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, reminds us of our righteousness when we fall, and empower us to obey God and to overcome temptation when it tries to overwhelm us. Jesus is on our side. He is our advocate on the Father’s right hand. Soul scans are needed for us to walk in Christ and profess, “It is well with my soul.” Love and Blessings…

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you.” (John 14:26)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3)

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,” (Titus 2:11-12)