OUR MERCIFUL GOD!

""Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it EBEN-EZER, saying hitherto hath the LORD HELPED US. On this final day of the year, 2012, we look back on 364 days of precious spiritual opportunity. We are not proud of many things that we have thought, said, and done. Too often we have been long on promise and short on performance, but for the love of a merciful God, we are still in His arm enjoying the unending love. We approach the final hours of this year secure in the knowledge of a Savior's grace, and we are reassured of His love and deep interest in us by the promise "I love you with an unending love". My Face Book friends, "May "THE GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BE WITH YOU ALL" today and in the New Year 2013.

GOD NEVER GIVES UP ON YOU!!

"But those who wait for the Lord (who expect, look for, and hope in Him) shall change and renew their strength and power...they shall lift their wings..mount up..run not weary..not faint or become tired" Isaiah 40:31 AMP. My friend why you are telling me that you cannot wait any longer, you messed up your life and looks like God gave up on you! "For heaven's sake! what on earth happening to me?". Well, Jesus never gives up on people. Many examples we can see in the Bible. Lazarus was dead. Even his sisters said, "Lord, by now he stinketh". Jesus didn't give up. When Moses said, "Here I am, send Aaron", He didn't give up. When Peter worshiped him at the supper and cursed him at the fire, Jesus didn't give up. When Joseph was put into a pit by his own brothers, God didn't give up. When Israelites wanted Egyptian slavery instead of milk and honey, God didn't give up on them. Did He? Brother, when God speaks a word into our lives, as far He is concerned, it has already accomplished. If we continue to walk by faith, believing in the word that God has spoken over our lives, things that may seem impossible to realize in the natural shall come to pass. For you my friend God is "calling those things that be not as though they were".. You'll hear me? YEAH. Good!

THIS IS A TEMPORARY CRISES

"Behold, God, my salvation! I will trust and not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and song; yes, He has become my salvation". Isaiah 12:2 AMP. My friend, It is perhaps an understatement to say that families are undergoing major changes and experiencing great stresses during this time of financial, social, and relational uncertainties and crises. My suggestion to you is handle feelings constructively. Family crises often make our feelings seems exaggerated or difficult to handle. Some people find that they become quite anxious and afraid of what is happening. My sister, learning to face our fears and NOT LET THEM become consuming is vital during this time of crises. Others get extremely angry at family members they feel have caused or causing the problem. But, again, anger is a feeling that needs to be channeled constructively so that so that it does not become harmful to others or to ourselves. Please do not compound the problem by directing the anger towards you or others. Remember, God is our salvation and our strength, trust Him. "When angry, do not sin; do not let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down. Leave no room or foothold for the devil (give no opportunity to him) Ephesians 4:26-27. It's temporary, a ditch in your journey, a flat tire, OK. Fix the flat and gooOOOOO.

THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK!!

"Wherefore, my beloved bretheren, let everyman be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath". James: 1:19. My friend, when God created man He gave two ears and only one mouth. That means you don't have to respond to fifty percent of what you are hearing. Did you get it? A word can cut more than a sword or heal more than an ointment. Words, words, words! Sometimes they come in gallon while the thoughts come by the spoonful, right? Think before you speak; and if you do, sometimes you may not speak at all. And if your mouth misfire, be careful about reloading! TAKE TIME OUT, CALL TIME OUT! STOP, THINK, THINK. Huhh...

MERRY CHRISTMAS, GOD'S ETERNAL GIFT!!!

"Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. TODAY IN THE TOWN OF DAVID A SAVIOR HAS BEEN BORN TO YOU; HE IS CHRIST THE LORD." Luke 2:10-11. To all our Face Book friends, MERRY CHRISTMAS!! GOD'S ETERNAL GIFT FOR ALL MANKIND!!! GOD'S GIFT REMAINS FOR EVER!!!! All the gifts have been opened, all the cards have been read, the dinner has been devoured, all the children have gone to bed, the Mistletoe has withered, the pudding has been put away, what remains of the Christmas, the season, this glorious Holyday?It is more than the beautiful Christmas Tree, and the fragrance of the new pine. It is more than the Christmas lights, It is about JESUS. He is the gift ever remains. Now it is true that we acknowledge Him in the thick of things, but He is much more than Holidays. He is the gift that remains in January, February, March, Spring, Summer, and Fall. He is God of endless time. He is ALPHA and OMEGA, the beginning and end. Friends come and friends go, loved ones come and loved ones go, BUT HE REMAINS! So go ahead with your life, wheel to hustle and bustle, here and there, and to and fro. But acknowledge that all things begin and end with Him. Deal with it as long as you have the GIFT THAT REMAINS. He is sweeter than honey, whiter than snow and He says "LO, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, EVEN UNTO THE END OF THE WORLD". HE IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON! THIS GIFT REMAINS, JESUS, JESUS, JESUS..THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD..FOREVER, FOR EVER, FOREVER..HALLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH, HALLLLLLEEELUJAH!

WHERE IS HE?

"Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?" Matthew 2:1-2. The cry of the Wise Men, "Where is he?" expresses the basic need of the human family. Humanity was created with one grand basic thirst for righteousness. The sinful cravings of perverted nature are a mutation of righteous desire. The pursuit of worldly pleasure and the use of alcoholic beverages are pathetic expression of man's deep need of God. It is his feeble cry, "Where is he that is born King?" To all who sincerely seek Him, there is abundant assurance in the Bible that Christ may be found and how to find him. As the Jingle Bells ring out, the sobering strains of "Silent night, holy night" are heard, and "It's the most wonderful time of the year" is being sung, may our footsteps turn once again in search of the REDEEMER, and there be no slackening of the pace till He be found. My friend, that is my prayer. Where is he? Where IS HE?

FIGHTING SPIRIT!

"Submit yourself, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" James 4:7 NIV. You see my friend, accept the fact that the devil is your adversary and he doesn't give up one inch of territory without a fight. You see the principle in the Word? SUBMIT TO GOD, THEN RESIST, THEN HE WILL FLEE. Submission involves: 1) We must implement the armor of God! (Ephesians 6:10-18). 2) We must saturate ourselves with God's Word! (Matthew 4:4). 3) And we must pray! (John:15:7& Ephesians 6:18). Now you are ready for the battle. Brother, you don't have to be a doormat for the devil. The devil was defeated on a hill called Golgotha by our Lord Jesus 2000 years ago. If devil was defeated, why I have to keep fighting him now- you may ask? You know what? When a battle is fought and won, the conquering army doesn't walk away and go home and rest, NO, they must enforce the conditions of the victory to keep enemy from coming back and infiltrating that has been secured. Did you understand that buddy. Now DON'T BE COMPLACENT! DEVELOP A FIGHTING SPIRIT MAN. you can do it., can't you?

BE AN ENCOURAGER!

"May the Lord grant His mercy to the family of Onesiphorous, for he often showed me KINDNESS AND MINISTERED TO MY NEEDS COMFORTING AND REVIVING AND BRACING ME LIKE FRESH AIR". 2 Timothy 1:16 Amp. My friend, during this Christmas time and thereafter, lets make a decision that we will be an ENCOURAGER. Everyone needs encouragement at one time or another. God's Word addresses this universal need for encouragement. In the lives of Paul and Barnabas we see encouragement. From the Book of Job, we see the right ways and the wrong ways to respond to someone in trouble. The two disciples on the road to Emmaus received greatest encouragement from Christ himself. More than ever, our children, our spouses, our friends, and the people around us need consistent and honest encouragement. What can you do to promote peace in the world? Brother, go home and love and encourage your family. Let us take care of the children, for they have a long way to go. Let us take care of the elders, for they have come a long way. Let us take care, encourage, and love those in between, for they are doing the work. God the Father encourages, God the Son encourages, and God the Holy Spirit encourages. Buddy, WE NEED TO BE ENCOURAGERS. RIGHT???

WHETHERING THE STORM

"...A wise man who built his house on the rock. THE RAIN CAME DOWN, THE STREAM ROSE, THE WINDS BLEW AND BEAT AGAINST THAT HOUSE, YET IT DID NOT FALL, BECAUSE IT HAD ITS FOUNDATION ON THE ROCK... a foolish man.. sand. The rain..it FELL WITH A GREAT CRASH. Matthew:7:24-29. Well, CAN YOU FACE THE STORM THAT COME AGAINST YOUR HOME? Hey, Jesus here removes the myth of having no storm after you becoming a Christian. Both the wise man and the foolish man faces storm. Both houses look same from outside. Materials and structure is the same. Same rain, same floods, same wind. Let me tell you friend, You can be a college student or a professor, widow or widower, newly wed or celebrating 50 year anniversary, recently came to this country or a born citizen, living in a one room apartment or a mansion, house in a 3 cent land or a 1000 acre estate, riding a bicycle or driving a Bentley, physically small or Mr. Universe, while you dance, Hip-hop, cat walk, wander with friends, partying.. Well, THE STORM IS COMING!! Does not matter WHO built the house and WHERE it is built, YOUR HOUSE WILL FACE STORM. Are you ready? ARE YOU REA...DDY? You see the wise man built his house on a ROCK. Another words, IT'S THE LOCATION. HAVE YOU BUILT YOUR LIFE ON THE ROCK OF SALVATION, JESUS? WELL ARE YOU? IT'S TIME BUDDY. Well, sorry, the preacher came out this morning.

Spirit of Complaining

"For I have learned by experience"...Genesis 30:27. Yes, YES, I have learned a lot in my life as a leader and minister for the last 38 years. My friend, you want me to share some of them? Okay! Some people are against everything- This keeps them from having to assume the responsibility of launching out. There are others who are against any improvement unless they get the honor of thinking first. Their pride demands that they be first- or NOT AT ALL. Some have too much pride to ever change. They say two plus two is five, for them it will always be five. Some complaints will come from those who are often unhappy and simply have a complaining spirit. THEY EVEN SAY THERE IS NO SALT IN THIS BANANA WHILE THEY EATING IT. Others will present complaints regarding matters about which they have little or no information. In any case, my brother, NEVER SHOULD THEY LEAVE US DEPRESSED. A church is simply a group of called-out people who feel some form of ownership. Christians are sinners but forgiven, right? A friend of mine who is a Bible College graduate told me "I want to be a pastor of a big church, but I don't like people". Don't quit man, use this occasion as an opportunity to either grow ourselves or to help the complainer grow in Christlikeness. Ohh, by the way, I am not talking about your church or people you know, I am talking about people in Iceland, Ha Ha Ha .

HE CARES FOR YOU!!!

"Therefore take no thought saying, WHAT SHALL WE EAT? or, WHAT SHALL WE DRINK? or, WHERE WITHAL SHALL WE BE CLOTHED?...Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things" Matthew 6:31-32. My friend, Satan has a double barrel weapon which he uses to destroy you. He uses WORRY AND FEAR. Do you know what is Panic attack? The stress of life, the worries and concerns, the things carried around in a person's heart and mind, will reach a point where they actually cause the body to go into physical distresses, the heart rate and body temperature go crazy, even causing heart attack. Brother, I think I diagnosed the problem. Now my suggestions for you to make changes in your life are: 1) Don't add more things when you have full schedule. 2) Don't subtract God's presence from your crisis. 3) Don't multiply your problem by inserting your solutions 4) Don't divide your life into secular and sacred. NOW OUR GOD IS IN CHARGE MAN, YES HE IS. RELAAAAAAAX. HE CARES FOR YOU!!!

BE REAL MAN...REAL

"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD ALSO". James 2:26. Isn't it what going on in congregations across the world now a days? In James' day also there were people who spoke the language of Christianity without reality of its truth in their lives. My friend, understand this: VERBAL FAITH does not SAVE, verbal faith does not SERVE, verbal faith does not SURVIVE. Look like your mentality is like: "Today it might be McDonald's for a Big Mac: tomorrow it's Wendy's salad bar; or perhaps the wonderful chicken sandwiches at Chick- Fil-A; or Super Buffet where you can pick and choose what you like? Now a days spiritual consumers are not in what the church stands for but in the fulfillment it can deliver -mix'em match'em, salad bar spirituality. STOP it buddy. Be a real disciple of Jesus. If you say you have faith , there needs to be some evidence in your life to back up your claim. Be REAL MAN REAL! Are you listening?

DON'T SIT THERE!

"...the Lord has sought out a man after HIS OWN HEART and appointed him leader of his people". 1Samuel 13:14. In my character studies of heroes in the Bible, I found NO Bible character more fully illustrates the moral range of human nature than David! Then, why God is saying he is a man after his own heart? I learned that he didn't focus on the "should have, would have, or what if's of life. He didn't blame others for what happened to him or for the circumstances in which he found himself. He forgave those who hurt him and was not vengeful. David was a dreamer not a daydreamer. He learned from adversity and built positive relationships. He preserved his reputation in the face of lies.He inquired of the Lord and had patience to wait on God for next steps. My friend, STOP telling me "not me", "I'm not worthy", "God left me". Brother, making a living is only part of life. So what we do? Anything. Something. So long as we just don't sit there. If we screw it up, START OVER. Try something else. If we wait until we've satisfied all the uncertainties, it may be TOO LATE man!!! Get up, you are custom made by God to accomplish and complete your assignment He has given to you. Did you hear? Yeah? Really?

DIE TO SELF

"I DIE EVERY DAY- I mean that, brothers- just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord". 1 Corinthians 15:31. Paul died physically every day? Of course not. Then, what you talking about Paul? You mean, you learned that to grow and mature and become more like Jesus? Die to self? My friend, let me tell you how do you know that you are dying to self? Can I? 1) When you don't seek praise or compliments or approval, and when you can live without frequent recognition and applause, that is denying yourself. 2) When you are content to let God settle the score and content to wait for your reward in heaven, that's denying yourself. 3) When you submit to an authority over you in deference to God even though you don't agree or understand, that's denying self. STOP grumbling and fault finding. Don't act like you are a "fruit fly inspector". Don't create an issue where there is NO issue. Jude calls them "These men are grumblers and faultfinders". Jude 16. You don't want to be one, do you? I mean DO YOU?

IMMATURITY

"He answered, " I MERELY DID TO THEM WHAT THEY DID TO ME'. Judges 15:11. One of the most notable examples of immaturity in the Bible is Samson. Was he gifted? YES. Anointed? YES. We see in him PERILS OF LIVING A LESS-than-COMMITTED lifestyle. In spite of God's power, he lost it all. A life of impulse, immaturity, resentment, and anger. My friend, do you know some of the signs of immaturity? Well, you want me to say it? People leave churches, friendships, and relationships over the smallest thing like "didn't get the position, pastor didn't call me while I was sick, refuse to see or talk to the sibling because they said the wrong thing over the dinner table, she didn't give me a gift for Christmas, they didn't visit me while they were in town, my name is not in the flier etc..."SILLY SILLY. And they can memorize 1 Corinthians Chapter 13 too. Like Samson, IMMATURE PEOPLE NURSE THEIR RESENTMENTS UNTIL THEY BECOME GRUDGES. THEY FEED THEIR GRUDGES UNTIL THEY BECOME OFFENSES. THEY CARRY THEIR OFFENSES UNTIL THEY DICTATE BEHAVIOR. THIS PRODUCES UNNECESSARY PAIN AND BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS. It starts with small steps in that direction. Hey, hey, are you going in that direction? RED FLAG- STOOOPP IT BUDDY.

GOSSIP

"I am more deadly than the screaming shell from the howitzer. I win without killing. I tear down homes, break hearts, and wreck lives. I travel on the wings of the wind. No innocence is strong enough to intimidate me, no purity pure enough to daunt me. I have no regard for truth, no respect for justice, no mercy for the defenseless. My victims are as numerous as the sands of the sea, and often as innocent. I never forget and seldom forgive. MY NAME IS GOSSIP". (Writer Morgan). Hey, church folks sometime call it- ummm, Oh yeah "sharing prayer request". RIGHT? STOP IT.

WHAT IS YOUR PRIORITY?

In my 38 years of experience in the ministry in various levels, I had opportunities to be in the presence of number of people on their death bed or in anticipation of soon being in the presence of God. Also, with unbelievers who are in desperation facing imminent death. But there has never been a single case of which I heard statements like "I wish I had a larger church and ministry", "I wish I had built a better business", " I wish I had become a better athlete or traveled more or had a bigger home, had a better car, or I wish spent more time hunting, fishing, playing golf, own more gold, multiple investments etc..I heard from husbands who wish they had spent more time with their wives, fathers wishing they had spent more time with their children, believers wishing they had done something for the Lord. Hey what is your asset? Our family is our responsibility. You get your happiness and joy in the Lord when you love your family, your spouse, your children, and decide that "For me and my house, we will serve the Lord". Buddy, STOP TEXT MESSAGING your orders and expressing your love. Give a kiss, a hug, turn off that TV, communicate, then at the end of your lives there will be NO REGRETS. Billy Graham once said "I have never seen a casket going to the graveyard with a U-Haul attached to it". Y'all hear me??

WINNERS ATTITUDE

" I can do everything through Him who gives me strength". Philippians 4:13. My friend "Don't let your 'fed up' convince you not to 'get up' and say it's time to 'give up'". Jesus didn't walk around saying, "I am poor", "I am weak", "I'm nervous", "I am afraid", and "I am broke". Jesus spoke what God said to speak. Winners have an attitude. They believe in their God-given potential, have a clear focused vision, act by faith in God's grace, and are persistent enough to accomplish it. God has a new definition for you man. Stop measuring yourself by who you used to be with old mistakes and failures. You are a diamond in the rough right now, but your GOD sees a brilliant sparkle inside you just waiting to burst forth into the light. Now REMEMBER, it's not where you start but where you finish that determines success. GOD HAS A BLUE PRINT OF YOUR LIFE IN HIS HAND AND HE IS WORKING ON IT. ReeeeeLAX.